16 Feb “We’ve Found a More Efficient Way to Make Ice!”
City of Kitchener’s Arena Cold Water Ice Business Case
The City of Kitchener didn’t just audit utility bills during their 12-month pilot at Sportsworld Arena. They analyzed the entire ecosystem—from the compressor room to the resurfacer log—and captured direct feedback from the people who matter most: the Operators, Coaches, and Skaters.
The Operator’s View
“Shaking the Water” Facility Operator Erhard traditionally used hot water ranging from 60°C to 71°C (140°F – 160°F) to remove trapped air bubbles. With the new system, he explains, “You are essentially shaking your water so that the air will come out.”
Since making the switch, he has dropped his flood water temperature by 60%—down to 17.5°C (63.5°F)—while maintaining excellent quality.
The Ripple Effect: Warmer Setpoints, Less Load
The denser, air-free ice allowed the facility to run a warmer, more efficient plant:
Warmer Ice Setpoints: Staff safely raised the average ice surface temperature from -5.5°C (22°F) up to -3.8°C (25°F).
Reduced Plant Load: These higher setpoints reduced compressor run times, while colder flood water significantly lowered the load on the dehumidification system.
Ambient Comfort: With the ice setpoint raised, the arena’s ambient temperature stabilized at 10°C (50°F), making the stands more comfortable for spectators.
Zero Disruption to the Schedule. A common concern is that colder water or lower pressure will slow down operations. Kitchener staff tracked this specifically and found no impact on workflow.
Fill Times: Logs showed the average fill time was 5.8 minutes, fitting perfectly into the standard “10-to-the-hour” flood schedule.
The User’s View
“No Ruts, No Cutouts.” The biggest fear with cold water is brittleness, but high-performance users confirmed the bond is solid.
The Head Coach: While training goalies, he reported excellent durability, noting he doesn’t see “extra ruts, gashes, or cutouts” even after hard sessions.
The Skater: Described the surface as “smooth” and “hard… with just enough give and overall upgrade if all of Kitchener’s ice surfaces were made the same”.
The Bottom Line
Significant energy savings and verified ice quality that holds up to heavy traffic. The results are convincing. The City has also installed the technology at two additional facilities: Activa Sportsplex and Lions Arena.
Watch the official video from the City of Kitchener
