The City of Thunder Bay will be operating Delaney Arena in a modified capacity for the upcoming 2024/25 ice season due to ice refrigeration system failures and problems with the arena floor.

“Several temporary fixes to the existing ice system infrastructure have been completed, including repairs to piping and the arena floor,” said Paul Burke, Sport & Community Development Supervisor. “This issue caused unexpected closures and cancellations last season and it is necessary to limit to strain on the system to offer the 2024/25 season.” 

An external professional engineering firm has assessed the system and provided recommendations for repairs and pre-repair operations. The assessment indicated that it is not feasible to operate the arena as normal for the upcoming season. Construction Services is working on plans to replace the arena floor, refrigeration piping and the arena boards as a permanent solution in 2025, subject to City Council approvals.

To reduce the strain on the ice system, temporary modifications to Delaney Arena’s operations are being made for the upcoming season.  These measures include a reduction in operating hours during both weekdays and weekends, limiting the age of users and minimizing the number of tournaments at the arena.  Existing ice user groups will be accommodated within the City’s arenas.

“We are in the process of notifying arena user groups of the changes to operations,” added Burke “with their cooperation and flexibility on ice times and locations, we can accommodate all users within the City’s arenas.”

 

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Contact:          Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 807-625-3650