By Cecilia Nasmith/Northumberland 89.7 FM/Today’s Northumberland
After hearing of the loss of their ice surface this season at the Haldimand Memorial Arena, Grafton Minor Hockey rushed to the rescue.
The surface is now open, thanks to the organization’s pledge of up to $60,000 to fix the issues that came to light in September, so that the season could be saved.
After hearing about the GMH pledge, Mayor John Logel added, an individual who wishes to remain anonymous also made a $25,000 donation.
Council made the original decision at an emergency meeting in September, after a report from Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Jeremy Giles.
Giles had begun operations to prepare the ice for 2024-2025, with the intention of opening Oct. 15. Unfortunately, he encountered a series of leaks that proved difficult to isolate and identify. As the press release at the time said, “the refrigeration plant was shut down as a result to avoid further mechanical failures and possible environmental concerns.”
His report to council estimated the cost of remedying the situation at $50,000 plus HST, but mentioned the chance that the testing involved in the work “could identify catastrophic failures in the piping which cannot be repaired.”
Reluctant to lose the season, Grafton Minor Hockey – and this public-spirited individual – stepped forward.
Council accepted the donations, and staff hired a contractor experienced in these issues to investigate and make repairs.
“Their estimated cost was $50,000. with the understanding there would be no guarantees,” the mayor said.
“Within a week, they discovered a major leak in one section of the floor. They felt this would stop the leak but no guarantees how long it would last.”
Council gave the okay to proceed with the installation of the ice, and arena staff got to work and actually completed this job (which normally takes two weeks) in 10 days.
Ten days later, the arena opened, only a week later than planned.
And the cost for the investigation and repairs ended up being $39,000 – though Logel stresses that there are still no guarantees that there will be no more leaks.
“If the piping continues to operate properly, the system will shut down at the end of the season and start up again next fall, assuming there are no complications,” he said.
“The arena will continue to operate and service local needs as long as the equipment is capable of providing good product.”
Looking ahead, the study council approved for a study of the community’s long-term recreational needs and interests will continue to go forward.
And a funding application has been submitted to the province under a program that allows municipalities to apply for grants from $150,000 to $1-million. Though there are likely many applications from across the province, Logel said, council voted Friday to pursue the application process while this funding is still available.
“We’ll be looking forward to hearing the results when the provincial government announces where the funds will be going to,” the mayor said.
“We’ll be sharing this information with residents ASAP. If successful, council will then consider the options available, and again this will be made available to the public.”
Meanwhile, he said, “I want to especially recognize the GMH and the individual donor for their financial assistance. I must also thank all the residents who made councillors aware of thoughts and concerns regarding keeping ice in the arena.
“Several community members, even those not normally involved in the arena, made suggestions of how to keep the ice available. I know from different experiences residents in Alnwick Haldimand Township will join together as we move forward.
“What a great place to live!”
