Sports Complex re-opening delayed as major ice-making system repairs underway

08/26/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is advising the community that the opening of the Kahnawà:ke Sports Complex has been delayed in order to replace the ice-making system. The decision was made after an inspection determined that the system, which is the original one installed when the Sports Complex was built in 1987, had deteriorated to the point where it could not be guaranteed that ice could be maintained throughout the season.

This is a major decision, one that will have a definite negative impact on minor hockey and figure skating. Repairs, which include fabrication of parts that are no longer available, will take between four to six weeks. Once the repairs/replacement are completed it normally takes an additional seven days to create the ice surface.

“The problem was discovered earlier this year, but it took several months to properly evaluate just how serious the situation was,” said Ratsénhaienhs Harry Rice. “We immediately began preparing a plan and obtaining the estimates. We had hoped that repairs could be made after the season but an inspection by experts indicated that it wasn’t worth the risk. It was felt that having the system break down in the middle of the season would be far worse than delaying the opening.”

The work has been contracted to Snowdon Quebec, Inc. The approved project cost is $64,460. Preliminary work is underway and on-site work will begin next Tuesday, September 1st.

In the meantime, Kahnawà:ke Minor Hockey and the Kahnawà:ke Figure Skating Club will be advised to contact their members, as decisions will have to be made regarding the upcoming season. Other clients, including various hockey leagues, will be advised of the situation immediately.

“Everyone feels terrible, but the situation left us with absolutely no choice,” Ratsénhaienhs Rice concluded.