Pickering Upgrades Arena Refrigeration System

The City of Pickering invested more than $140,000 in CCBF funding to replace the aging refrigeration system at the Don Beer arena. 

A refrigeration system is critical to maintaining an indoor ice surface and ensuring it stays at a consistent temperature. It helps absorb heat from the rink surface and helps regulate the thickness and hardness of the ice. Overall, the refrigeration system is essential for ensuring that the arena remains safe and functional for residents to enjoy ice-related sports and recreational activities throughout the winter season.

Equipment at the Don Beer arena – essential to keeping two ice pads operational – was installed over several years. Many of the system’s parts were approaching the end of their service life at the same time. A full replacement of the refrigeration system mitigates the risk of operational interruptions for the upcoming winter sport season, and for many years to come. 

Pickering’s project wrapped up in October, just in time for the indoor ice season, and allowing residents to stay active, socialize at recreational events like public skating, and participate in organized sports like figure skating and hockey.