Upcoming water restrictions won't force public arena closures, relieving community associations

As the City of Calgary prepares to implement tough water restrictions at the end of the month when it begins repairing the city's water distribution system, some community associations are relieved to hear public arenas won't be forced to close down.

On Wednesday, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the Bearspaw feeder main will shut down again at the end of August, requiring a temporary return of Stage 4 water restrictions.

Under those rules, no water use is permitted outside. Residents and businesses across Calgary will also be asked to conserve water use.

But on the city's website, it notes that "during repairs, indoor pools and arenas are allowed to remain open and all programs, classes, lessons, bookings and day camps will continue as planned."

In a statement to CBC News, a city spokesperson said no arenas will be required to close, but they will be asked to take measures to cut indoor water use by 25 per cent.

"We're very happy about that," said Chris Best, president of the Mount Pleasant Community Association, which runs the Mount Pleasant Sportsplex. "The arena is critical to our organization and our community and the community at large."

Best said the hockey rink at the Sportsplex can be "full in all hours" with "a lot of teams and individuals coming and going."

The rink should have its ice prepared before the restrictions come into effect, Best said, which means the "water usage won't be quite as big as if we were starting from scratch."

"We're happy to try to accommodate whatever water restrictions are going to be in place and work within the system, but also happy we're going to still be able to provide services to the community."

Marsha Staples, the general manager of the Millican Ogden Community Association, which runs the Jack Setters Arena, said the announcement is "great news for our youth and children's ice programs."

If the arena were to close, it would create "substantial hardship on our ability to pay high energy costs and leave us with no way to recoup those losses," Staples said.

Aside from finances, Staples also said Jack Setters Arena becomes a place for families to gather when figure skating and hockey programs kick into full gear.

She referenced the arena's viewing areas, which she said will be packed at the end of August "because the parents will want to see their kid do their tryouts. They'll want to see where they're placed on what teams. It really is a family activity."

City officials have said the Bearspaw shutdown is expected to begin on Aug. 26 and last until the end of September. They also said teams will be working 24/7 to restore water service safely and quickly.