The Fort St. John Curling Club has had to cancel its 2020-21 season due to a meltdown at the ice plant. 

The Club reports that on Saturday Oct. 17, the meltdown caused the compressors and condenser to shut down. The was not lost as staff got an after-hours refrigeration technician out. Yeti Refrigeration has assessed the damaged and found the Freon circuits on the chiller are compromised and leaking into the brine. 

The Club says, “Since safety of our staff and patrons is our first and foremost priority, we have decided to shut down the plant and not go on with our curling season this year.” 

Funding to repair the plant will have to come from the City of Fort St. John, upwards of $60,000 for replacement, but this hasn’t been budgeted by the City. When the plant was installed four years ago, it had a warranty of one year. 

“We are hopeful that Council will approve the funding for the replacement, but we ask that the community speaks out on our behalf, to show Council that there is a demand for this facility within the community. The Club will continue to function through revenue generated by running events, and hopes that the community will continue to support us as they have in the past.” 

The Club is hopeful of re-opening for the 2021-2022 season for their 75th year.