Media Release - Township Announces Cancellation of 2024-2025 Ice Season

Media Release

September 27, 2024

Grafton, ON - At a Special Emergency Council Meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024 the Council of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand voted to cancel the 2024-2025 Ice Season due to equipment failure at the Haldimand Memorial Arena in Grafton.

Despite staff’s best efforts to prepare for a successful ice season, the arena floor piping began leaking after start-up operations began the week of September 22, 2024.

Staff and contractors were successful in isolating the initial leak, however additional leaks appeared when start-up operations resumed. Due to the nature of the leaks and aging arena infrastructure, staff and contractors were unable to isolate and identify the location of the new leaks. The refrigeration plant was shut down as a result to avoid further mechanical failures and possible environmental concerns.

The Township is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and environment. Following the decision of Council at the September 26, 2024 meeting, staff will be contacting all user groups to inform them of the cancellation of the 2024-2025 ice season and assist with finding alternative arrangements, where possible. Staff will also be exploring options for alternative activities and events in the facility during the winter months. These will be announced in the coming weeks.

To read the complete staff report, please visit the Township’s website at www.ahtwp.ca.

Residents can also watch the Council meeting on the Township’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@alnwickhaldimandtownshipah6784

For more information, please contact:

Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief The Corporation of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand PO Box 70, 10836 County Rd 2 Grafton, ON K0K 2G0 T: 905-349-2822 E: ddawson@ahtwp.ca