The City of Cold Lake says ice is being made at the Energy Centre in preparation for the upcoming winter-sports season.
Users at the city’s facilities are reminded that due to the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, rules and guidelines are subject to change. The City of Cold Lake is working to closely follow the guidelines set by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer.
“We look forward to a safe start to the minor hockey and figure skating seasons while also working towards providing public skating,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “Our staff is working hard to ensure that we can accommodate the demand for ice while also providing for public health and safety in these unprecedented times.”
Staff members have reported success in the limited opening of the Energy Centre, with the Cenovus Wellness Centre and the CNRL walking and running track seeing responsible use by patrons.
City staff are currently reviewing the approach to public skating under the AHS guidelines for recreation facilities.
The city is excited that ice rental will be available in the coming days.
Measures for the use of the climbing wall are also being examined, however, the opening of the climbing wall comes with significant challenges due to the activity’s nature: High-touch surfaces are unavoidable.
The North Arena will also be operational from Monday through Friday each week of the 2020-2021 ice season to accommodate the demand for prime ice time. Council is awaiting the result of a facility audit to determine the long-term future of the North Area. The audit will identify any deficiencies in the facility and estimate the investment required to rehabilitate the arena for continued operations, if council wishes to keep the North Arena open. These decisions will be made during the 2021 budget process.