On the evening of November 22, 2021, staff at the Innisfail Twin Arenas initiated the evacuation process requiring patrons and facility-users to temporarily leave the building.
Air-quality monitors at the facility detected increased levels of ammonia, a compound commonly-used in cooling and refrigeration equipment. As a precautionary measure, staff asked visitors to vacate the premises.
Emergency personnel, along with service contractors, attended and conducted all required inspections, later deeming that the facility was safe to re-enter. Due to the timing of incident, public activities did not resume and only staff proceeded to go back inside.
Actions have been taken to ensure a repeat incident does not occur.
Currently, essential operating equipment in the building has been identified as needing repair. A leak has been identified in the condenser unit and the Town is currently working with contractors to remedy the issue.
The purchase of a new condenser unit has been approved by Council, and Town Administration will now move ahead with the procurement process.
“We have received approval from Town Council and we have started the process to replace the current condenser unit,” says Meghan Jenkins, Director of Community Services for the Town of Innisfail. “We are currently working to repair the unit we have in place until the replacement unit can be installed”.
The facility will remain open while repairs continue to the existing condenser unit, and until the replacement unit is delivered.
Facility staff remain vigilant in monitoring air quality and the Town of Innisfail assures the public that there is no danger to visitor health and safety.