Sechelt could be without its arena during the start of the next hockey season, according to the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) recreation manager.
Bruce Bauman provided an update to the SCRD's May 10 community services committee on the recent mechanical failure that forced an early closure of the Sunshine Coast Arena in Sechelt.
"We are [advising users] that they need to get their head wrapped around potentially [having] one ice sheet, at least to start the season, until we know more," Bauman said to the committee.
Recreation staff have been meeting with major user groups, like minor hockey and the adult leagues, to keep them aware of the ongoing developments.
Bauman described the failure that caused the arena to close on April 15 as an odd one - a non-pressurized heating pipe in the underpad burst, "some way, somehow," forcing the rink's closure.
"We have now met with our insurance adjuster; we have had our first consultant report," he said. "The report was looking at cause and effect, and that report has gone forward to our insurance company to see if this is an insurable claim."
He also reported on "the bigger picture" - not only did the heating pipe burst, but there are also indications of a permafrost build-up underneath the pad.
The next step, he said, will be to assemble more consultants to ascertain the extent of the damage, possible repairs, potential costs and the length of time before the arena can return again to operation.
"We should be able to give you an update at the June community services committee," he said.
