Hockeyville rally outside the Enderby and District Sports Complex in March (Facebook photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Arena & curling rink

City outlines plan to reopen sports complex

Apr 19, 2024 | 12:30 PM

Enderby expects its sports complex will be ready to use again by this September.

The city’s arena and curling rink have been shut down since January due to mechanical issues, and the need for repairs was the focus of the community’s bid for the 2024 Kraft Hockeyville title in March.

The city said Friday an investigation into the mechanical problems has concluded.

“The repair of the complex, which includes the Enderby Arena and the curling rink, is now proceeding. It is anticipated that the complex will be operational for the start of the ice season, in September 2024,” Tate Bengtson, chief administrative officer, said.

The following work has occurred, or is in progress:

Five things to know about the NHL playoffs

6h ago

London Drugs phone lines working, stores

London Drugs phone lines working, stores still closed

14h ago

Chamber of Commerce

Province provides boost to local businesses

15h ago

1. The refrigeration chiller has been drained, inspected, and confirmed to be in good working order, such that it can be returned to service. The chiller, which is an expensive and critical system component, did not sustain damage prior to the facility shutting down.
2. The corroded steel brine header on the arena side of the complex has been removed and disposed. A brine header made of material found in newer arenas, which is resistant to corrosion, will be installed this summer.
3. The contaminated brine has been flushed from the refrigeration system and will be replenished with clean brine.
4. The suspected brine leak in the floor has been discovered, which will be repaired. Pressure testing has confirmed the existence of a single leak, which will reduce the total repair costs.

City councillor Shawn Shishido, chair of the Enderby & District Services Commission, is thanking the community for its support for the Enderby & District Sports Complex.

“Despite the unfortunate circumstances [not winning Hockeyville], how our community came together was inspirational,” Shishido said. “The support that we saw regionally, provincially, and across Canada was absolutely phenomenal, and I would like to thank each and every person for the role that they played in getting us to this point. We could not have done it without you.”

Vernon Matters reached out to the city to find out a cost estimate on the repairs.

“The estimate for the investigation, plus repairs, inclusive of the new header, should be around $120,000,” Bengtson responded.

“We’re still firming up some numbers around the supply and install of the new header and the contaminated brine disposal, so this estimate is tentative.”