Sportsplex arena to stay closed into next year
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/06/2023 (991 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Sportsplex arena will remain iceless for the rest of 2023 and into 2024 because of safety concerns with the ice plant, which means cancellation of the hockey and skating seasons.
The venue’s ice arena has been closed since March 2 because of problems discovered with the ammonia ice plant. Exposure to ammonia can be fatal in high concentrations.
The plant at the Sportsplex can either be repaired for more than $300,000 or replaced at a cost of “well over” $1 million, according to Patrick Pulak, general manager of operations with the City of Brandon.
Sportsplex arena. (File)
So, while the arena is closed, an assessment will be conducted throughout the summer and fall to determine whether there is a need for a new ice plant, or if the arena can be used for other sports.
“There are two things that are happening,” said Pulak. “One, we have the ice plant that needs repairs, and two — we’re doing an assessment of the space within the arena, and the dressing rooms, and we’re doing that to determine whether that’s the best use for that space. Do we look at investing in a new ice plant or are we looking at maybe converting it to an indoor multiplex or something along that line.”
The assessment is being conducted by MNP Accounting, which is expected to hand over the report to the city by the end of September or beginning of October, and those recommendations will help the city decide if they will go through with the repairs or not.
There will be public consultation to follow once the findings have been released, said Pulak.
“At this point, I’m not sure of the timelines for the public outreach, but consultants will certainly be doing that. I think there will be a combination of things where they host an open house, maybe online surveys, but there will be several opportunities for public engagement.”
The assessment will show how the Sportsplex can serve the community best, said Coun. Heather Karrouze (Ward 1).
“I would trust that the best decision possible will be made, to come out of that study and that assessment,” said Karrouze. “And by engaging with the community, and with those who want to use the Sportsplex, I hope they make their voices heard. Do I personally want to see an ice surface? Yes, I do. But I, of course, will also bend to the will of the community.”
» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @enviromichele