It's all about the ice

Last year our club received a Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation of $200,000 to replace the chillers in the ice plant and add a dehumidifier. 

Our chillers had aged out at 25 years. They were still in good shape but would no longer receive service if needed. 

What does all this mean? 

The chiller is the refrigeration unit which uses Ammonia to cool a brine solution. Using a compressor, the chilled brine is pumped through over 6 miles of pipes under the ice. The brine circulates absorbing the heat from the ice and the surrounding area. This cools the sand base and the water above, causing the water to freeze the keep the ice solid.  

We use a calcium chloride brine, which has a low freezing point, and uses less energy to keep the brine flowing and the ice at an optimum temperature.

While we were at it, the old carpeted aprons were replaced. A rubber surface was chosen to reduce the amount of dirt going onto the ice. The rubber will also be less slippery. 

Andy Skipworth, our Ice Manager, brought his expertise and many hours of work in managing this project so effectively. Many volunteers have also played a part in making this change. 

Thank you to all!