The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer The heat reclaim system installed in the Whitney Forum last year will be expanded into the Uptown Curling Rink over the next several weeks. The system, which recycles the air in the building and pushes back out hot air, is being installed in two parts. First, the ice area of the rink will receive the heat reclaim system. The second part of the system will circulate air in the upstairs and downstairs lobby areas. The expansion is underway and expected to take roughly four to six weeks, said City of Flin Flon Recreation Manager Mike Dubreuil. The heat reclaim system was installed in the Whitney Forum last summer to decrease the cost of heating. Though the numbers aren't available for the winter months just yet, Dubreuil says there were some noticeable differences. 'We did notice a reduction in the amount of time our boiler had to run,' he said. 'We're expecting savings.' Stepping foot into the Whitney Forum, the difference was evident. No chill 'The temperature was more consistent and manageable,' said Dubreuil. 'You didn't get that chill.' The biggest change from the dehumidifier, he said, was the clarity of the ice. 'We weren't dealing with drippings from the ceiling and it made for cleaner, whiter ice,' he said. Upgrades The city is looking to continue the upgrades to the Whitney Forum. Fundraising has already started to replace the walking track that surrounds the ice surface on the arena side. 'We're hoping that we'll have the funds raised for that to get installed next spring,' said Dubreuil. Currently, the walking track is made from recycled tires. The upgrade would put a more traditional walking path material on the floor. 'It's expensive, but it will benefit the users,' Dubreuil said. With a ballpark expense of $60,000, the track will be safer for those using it by 'reducing the gaps in the mat,' he said. The city is currently writing grants 'and hoping to get the bulk of the funding through several different grant bodies,' said Dubreuil.
