Renovations to the Kinsmen Arena have been on the agenda at Yorkton City Council for a number of months and following Monday nights regular meeting it was decided to wait until a facility assessment is complete (which should be within the next two weeks) before deciding on a course of action.
A request was put forward recently by the Yorkton Minor Hockey Association to have ice in the arena by August 20 this year in order to accommodate programs which include hockey camps, coaching clinics and player evaluations however, doing so, could potentially be harmful to the building says Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks and Recreation.
"Although the Kinsmen Arena has the capability of making ice virtually anytime of the year, there are consequences to this given the current lack of building humidification. The sooner that plant is started in the summer, the longer the staff are required to correct the damage done to the ice that occurs overnight (stalagmites on the ice, clearing puddles, etc.) which creates extra maintenance," says McLeod.
"Earlier start up also extends the period of time that the building structure is exposed to high humidity levels."
This in turn, he points out, increases the effects of corrosion and mould and mildew buildup.
"As we move into the fall these issues are reduced because the outside air is usually cooler and drier."
Previously at council the possibility of installing a dehumidification system was discussed to prevent building damage and to lengthen ice time however, at a cost of between $40,000 to $70,000 council didn't commit.
Humidity issues also exist at the arena when there is no ice so the idea of a dehumidifier is still being discussed.
After some discussion council opted to hold off on making any decisions over the next couple of weeks until a detailed report comes back on the condition of the facility and recommendations are on where to proceed next.
