The arena woes continue for Marmora and Lake.
In August, the municipality advised the community that the ice at the Dr. Hamilton Crawford Memorial Centre Arena would not be ready September 1.
Mayor Jan O’Neill told Quinte News that there were some operating requirements necessary to open the arena, including having qualified staff.
At the time, the municipality was without a manager of Parks, Recreation & Facilities.
A new manager, Jeff Young, took over the position on October 15, however, the municipality is now dealing with major equipment issues further delaying ice-making.
It was discovered on October 16 that the chiller had failed due to cross contamination.
Ammonia had mixed with the brine, requiring the system to be shut down.
The system will have to be flushed multiple times at a cost of about $20,000 per flush.
A replacement chiller will cost $145,000 to $150,000 with another $15,000 to $20,000 required for installation.
At Tuesday’s council meeting (November 5), Young is to provide an update.
His report reveals a small bit of good news – they now anticipate fewer flushes of the system as it is believed the cross contamination was contained to the chiller.
A sample analysis is underway to confirm.
As far as the cost of replacing the chiller, last week staff submitted an application to the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund for a grant that could fund up to 70% of the cost.
Eligible applicants could request up to 50% of eligible project costs, but the Ministry may consider a provincial contribution of up to 70% of eligible project costs for municipalities with a population of less than 20,000.
Staff completed the Request for Special Consideration.
Marmora’s application included 26 letters of support for the project from community members, groups, organizations, and one letter with signatures of over one hundred concerned ratepayers.
Both the Stirling and District Minor Hockey Association and Centre Hastings Minor Hockey Association, each relying heavily on the Marmora ice during their seasons, put out pleas to its members asking them to sign letters of support for the application.
Unfortunately the province won’t be making a decision for several weeks meaning, even if the grant is approved, the work won’t likely be completed until the new year.
It leaves the question of whether anyone will be able to skate on the ice at all this season.
