Alberta’s government is committing $285,585 toward the replacement of a failing ice plant at the Caroline Arena.
The funds are part of a $7 million investment in sport and recreation infrastructure in 14 different projects across the province.
The Caroline & District Athletic & Agricultural Society will receive the funding through the province’s Active Communities Initiative to upgrade the arena’s ice plant, which officials said is on “borrowed time”.
Back in the spring, Members of the Caroline Ag Society said the arena’s 40-year-old ice plant has already required $130,000 in repairs in the last five years.
Additionally, two of the system’s pumps had recently failed, and officials warned a full breakdown could lead to a lost season, costing the community dearly.
Despite uncertainty around the condition of the ice plant, Renée Foefier with the Ag Society says the 2025-26 ice surface season has gone off without a hitch, with the decades-old refrigeration system, so far, keeping the ice intact.
She adds, despite the commitment from the Alberta government, fundraising efforts so far to raise around $1.5 million for a full replacement is “not great”.
Back in April, the Ag Society made a request that Clearwater County fund 50 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum of $1 million. The remaining portion would be covered through fundraising, grants, and reserves.
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In June, a motion was made by the former council to explore an agreement to fund an ice plant project.
The item was discussed again during Clearwater County’s Nov. 12 meeting, where the newly-elected council raised concerns about financial support for the project.
Deputy Reeve Drew McKay says there’s just too many variables when dealing with a system that’s 40-plus years old, and requested a more accurate cost assessment before committing to a percentage of the cost.
“If we commit to a percentage of cost, we’re putting ourselves in a vulnerable position,” he says.
While councillor Bryan Cermak agreed with cost concerns, he added that the ice rink in Caroline is highly utilized, and says the replacement comes with some level of urgency.
Council will review an upcoming report on cost, and will bring the item back for a decision at an upcoming meeting.
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County administration warns that ice plants must be ordered six months in advance, and the price of equipment has only increased in recent months.
In a statement, the province says the new and renewed facilities are expected to serve up to one million Albertans and stimulate more than $60 million in economic activity.
Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko says the funding will help keep communities active and connected by improving the places where people gather for sports and recreation.
“I am proud to support projects that help Albertans live healthier and more active lives,” says Boitchenko, in a provided statement. “In many places, recreation centres serve as hubs for the community. With the Active Communities Initiative funding, more Albertans can enjoy sports and connect with others close to home.”
Sundre will also benefit from this round of grants, with the Sundre and District Curling Club receiving support for accessibility upgrades to its facility.
The full list of projects:
- Caroline & District Athletic & Agricultural Society, arena renewal, Caroline
- Chappelle Gardens Residents Association, community rink upgrades, Edmonton
- Chestermere Community Association, arena renewal, Chestermere
- Crossroads Community Association, all-season multisport facility, Calgary
- Lomond Community Centre Agricultural Society, arena renewal, Lomond
- Lubicon Lake Band #453, multipurpose facility, Little Buffalo
- Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre, pickleball and tennis centre, Okotoks
- Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club, pickleball courts, Spruce Grove
- Rockyford Agricultural Society, curling rink upgrades, Rockyford
- South Fish Creek Recreation Association, energy efficient upgrades, Calgary
- Springbank Park for All Seasons Agricultural Society, gym and indoor turf field, Calgary
- Sunalta Community Association, all-season multisport facility, Calgary
- Sundre and District Curling Club, accessibility upgrades, Sundre
- Valley Ski Club Castor Association, snowmaking infrastructure upgrades, Alliance
Applications for the 2026 round of Active Communities Initiative funding will open next spring.
It would be beneficial if maybe council actually came and looked at what is happening to the Caroline ice plant. Our numbers don’t lie on what it has cost to keep fixing it. Cost will continue to rise the longer we postpone. What would have been a 1.5 million fix could easily rise to 2 million the longer we wait!