Arenas get new chiller, will close for over two months

A B.C. government grant has allowed the City of West Kelowna to replace its 21-year old ammonia chiller at Jim Lind Arena and Royal LePage Place

The provincial grant is worth $442,000.

“We are extremely grateful to the province for supporting the City of West Kelowna’s application under the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP),” Mayor Gord Milsom said. “This will ensure that we keep with the safe operating requirements in this important multi-purpose facility that serves the Greater Westside.”

The replacement will see the closure of Jim Lind Arena and Royal LePage Place starting Monday, May 17, 2021, to accommodate the installation. Royal LePage Place is anticipated to reopen to the public on Aug. 2 and Jim Lind Arena on Aug. 9.

The city said the arenas are used by thousands of people annually through recreation programs, community and commercial events, league sports, tournaments, sports camps, and the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors team.