Arena Controls Offer Cool Savings

Simple and inexpensive arena control systems have saved Alberta municipalities between 20 - 50 per cent of their operating costs over a single season.

Arena control systems are popping up around Alberta, becoming one of the more popular projects seeking interest-free loans under the Alberta Government's ME first! program which is administered by Climate Change Central.

ME first! is committed to helping Alberta municipalities achieve energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Arena control systems have become a popular application request through the ME first! program, and we are excited by the number of smaller Alberta communities implementing this technology," says Fred Walter, Program Manager for Climate Change Central.

So what are these arena controls and how are they keeping the ice cool without draining the savings account? Normally, the ice temperature in an arena is left at a steady temperature of about -8°C, which keeps the compressor running, even when the rink is not in use. This translates into lost energy and revenue.

Rick Owen of Rink Pro, a refrigeration controls company, describes the benefits of the systems installed by his company. These systems allow arena operators to set the controls to automatically adjust ice temperature according to use. For example, hockey conditions are best at -8°C, figure skaters enjoy -6°C and an empty arena chills nicely at -3°C. Implementing these controls will not only save arenas money, it will also create ideal ice conditions for patrons.

The Town of Westlock recently purchased this control system and is eagerly awaiting the installation date. "This system will save us money and actually create better ice conditions for the various activities that take place at the arena. These benefits made the decision to purchase this system an easy one," says Darrell Garceau, Town Manager for Westlock Alberta.

Kent Staden, Town Administrator for Mannville Alberta, echoes such sentiments saying, "It works perfectly and is so easy to use. Every municipality should get these controls for their arenas."

Three arena control projects from the towns of St. Paul, Westlock and Whitecourt were approved in the June 01, 2004 application round of the ME first! program and more applications are expected before the December 1, 2004 deadline.