Cooling systems keep Montreal rinks open despite thaw

[Redfairen]

An extended January thaw in parts of Quebec and Ontario has put a major dent in the outdoor skating season. But an increasing number of municipalities, responding to fluctuating temperatures, are now using artificial refrigeration to keep their skating rinks frozen through the winter months.

Unseasonably mild weather and rain over the past few days in Montreal has turned the city’s outdoor rinks to slush. The only ones with a hope of remaining operational are equipped with cooling systems below the ice, including several built with the help of a local charity.

.......

The technology may become essential to extending Canada’s favourite winter pastime.

A study released last March said that outdoor hockey is being threatened by climate change. The study, co-authored by McGill University professor Lawrence Mysak, said that ice rinks were opening later and closing earlier in the year.

The hardest hit regions are the Prairies, southeastern British Columbia, southern Ontario and Quebec, according to the study.


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cooling-systems-keep-montreal-rinks-open-despite-thaw/article7313622/

[limpyhobbler]

1. ...

I remember being able to walk across frozen ponds in Vermont and NH at this time of year. People would drive trucks out on the ponds and park them there. Those days are gone forever I guess.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Cool!