MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Mountain View County's council has approved funding to a maximum of $77,687 as the county’s portion of funding of the new condenser unit currently being installed at the Didsbury Memorial Complex.
The approval came during a recent, regularly-scheduled council meeting.
The ice plant condenser at the complex failed in December 2024, prompting the purchase of a new, more modern unit.
Under the shared facilities sub-agreement between the Town of Didsbury and Mountain View County (MVC), town officials requested a contribution of $126,160 from the county, representing 31.54 per cent of the total $400,000 cost.
The requested $77,687 brings the county’s total 2025 contribution to the Town of Didsbury under the inter-municipal collaboration framework to the maximum of $125,000, said Jeff Holmes, the county’s chief administrative officer.
In a note to the county, the Town of Didsbury said the funding proposal was for the replacement of the ice plant condenser unit that serves the Didsbury arena and Didsbury curling rink, both accessible to town and county residents.
“Arena and curling ice provides for hours of recreational and leisure time for both town and county residents, and are essential facilities for future population growth, athletic development ,and a strong sense of community for both town and county residents alike,” according to town officials.
The new adiabatic condenser unit utilizes an air humidification process for the majority of its operations rather than water, which the previous model used, officials said.
“The Town (of Didsbury) expects to see a 75 per cent water reduction with this style of condenser, as well as the elimination of previously required water treatment equipment and chemicals. The expected lifespans of the new condenser is 20-25 years.”
Installation of the new condenser started at the end of June and was expected to take a couple weeks, the municipality said on its website.
