City of Kitchener wants to use ‘cool’ method to create ice rinks

The City of Kitchener wants to use cutting edge technology to cut down on the energy bill. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk reports.

The City of Kitchener says it is trying out a new method of ice making that may help cut costs when it comes to the city’s energy bill.

Typically, hot water is used to create ice at local arenas.

“The traditional making of arena ice is rather energy intense,” Fionnula Wade, sustainability advisor for the City of Kitchener, said. “It requires natural gas to heat the water to high temperatures to remove the air bubbles in the water.”

Ryan Cook, the community arenas manager for the city, said the water is usually heated to somewhere between 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

But there is another way to achieve that ideal glossy finish that could drastically reduce costs, because it would only require the water to be between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

“This real ice system does the same thing, except there’s this adding colder water with, again, those bubbles being removed,” Cook explained. “It’s the same process of making that good quality sheet of ice.”

The change could come with significant savings, including a drop of approximately five per cent on the required natural gas and electricity costs.

“We’re able to see annual savings of about $6,225.”

Currently, the pilot project is being tested at three arenas, including the Sportsworld Arena, but there are plans to expand.

“Grand River, the Kiwanis and Kinsman arenas, at the Aud as well as Don McLarne,” city councillor Stephanie Stretch said.