There might be a few different options to consider for the Nelson Curling Centre after an ammonia leak required the ice plant to be shut down. The City’s Chief Financial Officer Colin McClure explains it happened during a required inspection.
“So this was looking at the system, doing some investigation, having Nelson Fire Rescue there to make sure if there’s any issue… This was not just something that happened that they came across, this was a planned maintenance check.”
He says no body was in danger and a higher level investigation followed where a pin hole leak was suspected, but couldn’t be located.
McClure says he isn’t sure how much a replacement would cost and what exactly the work would entail. Part of the work to be carried out over the next seven months until the curling season starts again is to meet with all stake holders, which includes the curling community and regional district. He says the City also wants to hear from the community about how to move forward. That discussion will include whether there’s a use for the building during the summer months, which would help cover costs.
“Much like the Civic, it has a sand floor, so really when the ice is in, it’s great for curling, but then when the ice is gone, it’s not really a usable space. So that’s one of those things, even the curling club has been trying to get grants to try and figure out, what if we did put a concrete pad down here?”
The roller derby club or other groups could then use the space if needed which would help cover maintenance and utilities. The Curling Club currently has to pay those costs all year round, although the building is only used for part of the year.
