NEWS FILE PHOTO
The Kinplex is seen in this April 2017 file photo. Authorities evacuated and closed the building for the evening after a small ammonia leak was detected around 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018.
UPDATE from the City of Medicine Hat Tuesday at 11:15 a.m.: Regular scheduling at the Kinplex Recreation Centre on 21 Avenue SE has resumed. The mechanical issue encountered on the evening on November 5, 2018 has been resolved. Thank you for your patience.
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Medicine Hat News
An ammonia leak forced the evacuation and closure for the night of the Kinplex Arenas shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday night, though authorities say they were erring on the side of caution and repairs will be completed Tuesday morning.
“It was a relatively small mechanical issue, but it’s an easy thing to smell even in a large building,” said acting platoon chief Lane Lindsay of the Medicine Hat Fire Service, which arrived at the facility shortly after 7 p.m.
The twin rinks were occupied by figure skaters and a hockey team at the time when maintenance staff were alerted by the ammonia detection system. They were ushered out of the building, and after firefighters arrived the source of the cooling agent was determined to be a small leak in the system.
Lindsay said there were no injuries, and the staff responded properly.
“It’s a pretty textbook thing that city staff prepares for and practises,” he said.
