There’s growing optimism in Caroline that the community will soon secure funding to replace its aging ice plant — a facility local leaders say is essential to the region’s recreation and economy.

The Caroline and District Athletic and Agricultural Society has applied for a $500,000 grant to support the project and is now preparing to make a formal presentation to Clearwater County council. Officials say early indications are positive.

“It looks pretty favourable that we’ll probably get it,” said Clearwater County Coun. Bryan Cermak during council’s July 22 meeting. “The Caroline Ag Society has set aside $400,000, and the ask from the county will probably be in the $500,000 to $600,000 range.”

The total project cost has been revised to approximately $1.5 million, which includes relocating the equipment into a new standalone mechanical room — a move that aligns with modern safety standards and could prevent costly downtime.

However, while optimistic, Cermak says it could be at least another year before equipment starts arriving.

“[CAO Rick Emmons] needs to put another quarter in the juke box to keep the lights on,” joked Cermak.

Cermak noted the proposed system would be similar to the one currently in use in Rocky Mountain House, which he says has required just $50 in maintenance over the last five years.

The ice plant at the Kurt Browning Arena is operating on “borrowed time”, but officials are expressing optimism that a grant to replace the equipment will come through. (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)

The Ag Society first brought its request to council in April, highlighting the deteriorating condition of the arena’s 40-year-old refrigeration system. The group warned the equipment is operating on “borrowed time” and said a major failure could jeopardize the upcoming season.

So far, more than $130,000 has been spent on repairs in the last five years, including servicing two pumps that recently failed or are awaiting parts.

In its earlier presentation, the society emphasized the arena’s role as a hub for youth hockey, figure skating, curling, school programs, and major community events. The facility hosts over 200 days of programming annually and serves more than 3,500 residents in the southeast end of the county.

County administration is expected to return with a formal report and funding recommendation later this year.