Vernon’s principal ice facility is undergoing simultaneous mechanical and roofing upgrades intended to improve safety, conserve water and protect bookings at Kal Tire Place.
New condenser installed; commissioning planned for July
The city says the new condenser unit has arrived at the arena and contractors are connecting it to the ice plant. Commissioning is scheduled for late July 2026, ahead of booked ice times. Officials report the contractor remains on schedule.
“The proposed new unit has the ability to operate without water for approximately 90 per cent of the year, which provides huge water savings each year. Additionally, the new unit will use significantly less ammonia coolant than the existing unit, drastically enhancing the safety of the ice plant.”
The city highlighted two operational benefits: a substantial reduction in water use because the unit can operate without water much of the year, and a decrease in the volume of ammonia coolant used in the ice plant, which the city says improves safety.
Roof renewal coordinated with mechanical work
Alongside the condenser replacement, crews are renewing the flat sections of the Kal Tire Place roof. The roofing project is proceeding in coordination with the condenser work and is reported to be both on schedule and within budget, with anticipated completion in August 2026.
- Condenser commissioning: late July 2026
- Roof renewal completion: August 2026
- Estimated condenser cost: $1 million
Funding and local implications
The condenser replacement carries an estimated price tag of $1 million. The city says the funding package draws from multiple sources: the provincial Growing Communities Fund grant, the city’s recreation reserve, the casino fund and the infrastructure reserve. No additional figures for the roofing work were provided in the update.
| Project | Target completion | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser replacement | Late July 2026 | Growing Communities Fund, recreation reserve, casino fund, infrastructure reserve |
| Flat roof renewal | August 2026 | City budget (within budget) |
For users of Kal Tire Place — including minor hockey, figure skating and community groups — the timing is significant. Completing mechanical commissioning before the main fall and winter ice season helps limit disruptions to ice bookings and community programming. The city’s emphasis on reduced water consumption and lower ammonia volumes also reflects growing municipal attention to operational resilience and public safety at civic facilities.
Council members are scheduled to receive a project update at their regular meeting; the city’s public materials state the work is proceeding in coordination to minimise impacts on scheduled events.
