Plans have been in place for a while to install a dehumidification unit at the Kinsmen Arena.
But before the City takes the step to install the equipment they want to make sure the arena is viable long term, said Darcy McLeod Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation with the City. "What we're doing right now is conducting a review of the facility," he explained.
McLeod said the biggest issue at the Kinsmen Arena is humidity.
"Humidity has been a problem there for a long time. It's always been an issue," he said, adding the issue is most prevalent in the fall.
"Anybody that's been in there in the fall knows there is humidity Every year water drips on fans. There's fog on the glass, bumps on the ice."
McLeod said the building dates back to the 1970s and is a design never meant to accommodate artificial ice, so when the ice plant runs before cold weather arrives it causes humidity.
The humidity has caused other problems to arise over time.
"We're always testing for mold," he said, adding they have found normal mold in the past and have dealt with it as directed by public health.
The humidity has also caused metal corrosion they are aware of, he said.
With the past issues the humidity has caused McLeod said it was seen as prudent to undertake "an in-depth facility assessment at the Kinsmen Arena."
McLeod said they know they need to address the humidity to extend the life and usefulness of the arena, but the study will delve into "what else do we have to work through to make the building viable for the long term."
The study is being carried out by Associated Engineering and is being funded from capital dollars already ear-marked for the dehumidification unit, said McLeod, who added the facility report should be before City Council before spring thaw
