Weyburn’s ice rinks to stay closed until the New Year, new leak

WEYBURN – The City of Weyburn announced that Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena will remain closed until the New Year, after a second ammonia leak was found in the ice plant chiller.

The chiller had been purchased new and was installed for the 2023-24 season, and had successfully passed pressure testing after recent repairs.

These tests exceeded the normal operating pressures of the system, and the chiller had been functioning as expected for the past week. In spite of these measures, the chiller experienced another failure.

The outdoor rink at the Credit Union Spark Centre will be the only place for skating in Weyburn (other than smaller neighbourhood rinks) until the new year, as a second ammonia leak was found. Greg Nikkel

Earlier on Monday, measurements of the ice depth confirmed it was ready for limited use. Plans were set to allow teams to begin light skating sessions on Tuesday, gradually increasing to a full schedule of ice use by Friday. However, at around 5:30 p.m., an ammonia leak was detected, forcing all activities to stop.

Consultants arrived on site and are currently conducting detailed inspections to identify the cause and work toward a solution.

“City staff and contractors worked tirelessly over the past week to rebuild the ice and prepare the arenas for reopening,” said Andrew Crowe, director of leisure services.

“This outcome is deeply disappointing. Our team is devastated after putting in countless hours, often working late into the night, doing everything possible to get the facilities ready. We were all excited to welcome skaters back into our arenas, and this setback is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” he added.

Unfortunately, the ice that had been installed must now be removed again, as the chiller cannot operate in its current state. This will result in a longer delay before the facilities can be reopened for user groups and the public.

While no specific timeline for repairs is available at this time, the City remains committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible in collaboration with contractors and consultants.

The City of Weyburn extends its gratitude to the facilities staff, Weyburn Red Wings volunteers, and contractors for their dedication during this challenging time.

Their hard work and commitment to preparing the arenas reflect their determination to overcome these difficulties and provide a solution for the community.

While this situation is both unexpected and frustrating, the City is focused on finding a permanent resolution to ensure the safety and reliability of the arena systems.