SEAPARC will have the best ice ever now that a new dehumidifier has been installed at the arena. For years the facility has been dealing with moisture issues which result in more maintenance.
The Model A-20 Dessicant dehumidifier will remove 125 pounds of moisture an hour compared to the 25 pounds being removed by the old unit.
Jim Govan, facilities operations supervisor at SEAPARC, said they have always had humidity problems in the arena and, after 37 years, the problem will be solved. The unit will also allow treated outside air to be brought into the arena.
“In September sometimes there’s a little fog bank in there,” said JdF Regional Director Mike Hicks. “In the future it could mean leaving the ice in there longer.”
The unit was manufactured in Texas and with some successful negotiations they were able to get a 25 per cent discount amounting to close to $20,000. The unit cost $120,000 which came from SEAPARC funds.
“The bottom line is that this is as first class as any piece of equipment on Vancouver Island. We had a long debate over it … we’re in the business of swimming and skating,” said Govan.
