Armstrong Reviews Ice Rink Safety

Armstrong, like many other communities, is reviewing its procedures for dealing with ice rink safety in the wake of the tragedy in Fernie last week.

City Council heard from the fire chief and Parks and Rec Manager on the protocol if something happens with ammonia refrigeration.

Mayor Chris Pieper is confident the system at Nor Val Arena is monitored properly.

“Yeah, I think so. It’s an approved protocol by WorkSafeBC. These people are trained in doing this.”

The system is monitored closely.

“There`s an alarm that gives the readings so that people know that remotely and they wouldn’t go in to check it out just because the alarm is going off.”

The protocol also states that only a person with specific training would be allowed to enter the arena if ammonia is present.

The city has an assistance agreement with Vernon.

“Vernon has a trained team. Vernon has come to Armstrong in the past, not for the arenas but for another building probably eight or ten years ago when they had a refrigeration leak.”

The protocol applies to any business in Armstrong with ammonia refrigeration units.

Everything in the Hassan Arena was  decommissioned ten years ago and there is only one other business in the city with a refrigeration unit that would fall under the guidelines.