After a heated exchange with council in December, the Canadian Ice Making Company (CIMCO) has offered a “good will gesture” for the under-performing system at Mount Forest and District Sports Complex.
A letter from David Sinclair, CIMCO’s Ontario general manager, was discussed by council on Feb. 13.
It followed a December meeting, where Wellington North councillors expressed their frustration over a long standing issue with the ice at the arena.
Mark MacKenzie, facility manager at the arena, brought forward the ongoing issue again in October, saying the system has trouble keeping ice during particularly warm fall days. He added this is a regular frustration during the start of the hockey/skating season.
At the time, MacKenzie noted the original proposal from CIMCO stated the system is able to make and hold ice all year long. Council then agreed to bring CIMCO representatives in for a discussion and spend $6,750 on an independent refrigeration expert to offer a third party opinion
At the Dec. 18 meeting, CIMCO engineer Andrew Forster told council the company spent time “going over the system” and generated a report to council that outlines two problems: one with the glycol-to-water plate heat exchanger and the other with reduced cooling tower performance.
In his letter, Sinclair explained CIMCO offered to install new motors in the refrigeration plant.
“We have made a commitment to you and the township to bring resolution to any issues relating to the ice making capability of CIMCO’s plant that was installed in 2008,” stated Sinclair.
Currently, the system uses two 60 horsepower compressor motors. Sinclair noted these were the “correct motors for the design,” but he added two 75 horsepower compressor motors (worth about $35,000 plus HST) could be installed at no cost to the township.
He said the other issue was with the heat exchanger, which is “not operating as designed” and should be disassembled, cleaned and re-gasketed. The issue was caused by scaling and fouling or a maintenance issue, Sinclair said, rather than an issue with the system. It is estimated this would cost $25,000 plus HST.
Sinclair also offered to provide a service mechanic to work with township staff at the start up of the 2018-19 season.
“It’s nice to see that they are standing behind their product,” said councillor Steve McCabe.
Councillor Lisa Hern agreed, adding township staff members were to thank for the outcome.
“I would also like to express my gratitude for everyone working together on this; we were able to draw attention to the matter,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
“I’d also extend my gratitude to the members of the press at the back, for publishing this story and helping us get the word out … we seem to have their attention and I hope that we can work through the problems and resolve this long standing issue.”
Council approved the plan put forward by CIMCO. Councillor Sherry Burke was absent.
