P.V. Arena ice plant in need of major retrofit

The aging ammonia ice plant at Vernon’s Priest Valley Arena will be the subject of a grant application from Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation.

An application will be made under the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERlP), a $90 million fund setup by the province which funds 100 per cent of eligible projects.

The plant needs about $1 million in work, but it’s unlikely a grant amount that large would be achieved.

“Some of the components in the system date back to the late 1970s. We can do replacement of various pieces in stages,” Doug Ross, the director of Recreation Services, said.

The Priest Valley Arena recently had a new ice flooding technology installed called REALice, which reduces the cost of heating water before flooding the ice surface, the ammonia plant is what cools the pad beneath the ice surface.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 02, 2026

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026

Each community is allowed two applications under (CERIP).

A second previously approved application asked for funding to include an interactive tourism kiosk network in the community, utilizing touch screens in timberframe huts at strategic tourist locations.

The grant program closes for applications October 29.