Sports Nov 29, 2024 – 10:30 am EST

Shorter ice times as Arnaitok Arena temporarily closes

Compressor failure, unsafe surface relocates rink users to Arctic Winter Games arena

Arnaitok Arena, seen in this 2022 file photo, is temporarily closed after a compressor failure caused unsafe ice conditions. (File photo by David Venn)

By Jeff Pelletier - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Iqaluit is down to one ice rink after the closure of Arnaitok Arena.

The City of Iqaluit announced in a news release Monday that the rink’s ice conditions are unsafe and unusable due to an issue with a malfunctioning compressor.

A compressor is one of several units in a rink’s refrigeration system.

“This issue was worsened by warmer ambient temperatures which further softened the ice,” said Geoff Byrne, the city’s spokesperson, in an email.

“A replacement compressor is expected to arrive and be installed within two to three weeks.”

A full ice plant replacement as well as other upgrades at Arnaitok Arena have been on the city’s agenda for several years.

Last year, city council delayed plans to replace the ice plant at a reported cost of $2.39 million.

However, Byrne said, “While the city has been maintaining the current refrigeration system, a replacement refrigeration plant has not been included in the currently approved capital budget.”

In the meantime, ice activities are all happening under one roof at the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) Arena, with a “minimal reduction” of ice time, Byrne said.

The Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association is one of the groups adapting to the temporary change.

“The city has been great to work with and proactive to accommodate our practices at AWG,” said Mark Mossey, the association’s acting president, in an email.

“We have been able to keep the same number of practices per group per week, only having to decrease some practices from 1.5 hours to one hour to allow us to fit everything in.”