Arenas at Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior closed for repairs
Posted Jan 23, 2023 03:00:00 PM.
Both arenas at the Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior are closed for repairs.
In a release, the Town said the repairs are required because of major damage to the refrigeration system.
“A substantial brine leak was discovered on Saturday,” said Graeme Ivory, the Town of Arnprior’s director of recreation in a release. “Staff and technicians worked around the clock to establish a temporary solution to ensure Sunday's minor hockey tournament could proceed, however the damage to a large section of pipe requires permanent replacement.”
Brine (a non-toxic saltwater solution) is the refrigerant that flows through pipes, and when these pipes leak, the cooling capacity is lost. The section of damaged pipe is over four decades old, as it's original to the building (1977).
Staff is working with neighbouring arenas to find available ice times, but at this time, all games and practices for hockey and ringette, along with figure skating, public skates and shinny are cancelled at this time.
Town officials hope to have both ice surfaces ready for use by Wednesday, Feb. 1 ahead of the Ontario Winter Games.
