The Kelowna Curling Club is getting some major upgrades following a facility inspection that pointed out some major systems that need replacing.
The recent tragedy in Fernie, where three men were killed after an ammonia leak at the local arena, has resulted in a regulatory review and facility inspections by Worksafe BC and Technical Safety BC.
As a result of the facility inspection at the Kelowna Curling Club, the chiller was identified as being beyond its service life and an order was issued to remove the chiller from service.
Based on a review of estimates, the replacement of the chiller will cost a minimum of $150,209. The replacement of the ice chiller is mandatory and must be done as soon as possible so that the facility can make ice for upcoming events.
The roof of the facility is also in need of replacement as it has been leaking since last year. The work is expected to take four to six weeks and is projected to cost $300,000. It must also be completed before fall weather hits Kelowna.
The Curling Club does not have the resources on hand to replace both the chiller and the roof, so the City has approved a $300,000 loan to finance the upgrades.
The Curling Club is set to apply for a Capital Project Grant that could provide up to half the project cost for the upgrade, a maximum of $250,000. Applications are accepted between June 1 and July 31, and grant notifications take place at the end of October or possibly sooner.
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