Built in 1972, it was not a surprise to discover asbestos in the Derald Palmer Memorial Arena.
In those days the use of asbestos was common. Having this material within the cinder blocks does not pose a huge risk to the arena users or staff so long as it is not disturbed.
To confirm the safety of everyone the air quality was tested. The building passed with flying colours! There were less than 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter. Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) considers 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter to be safe. Simply put, the arena is 10 times safer! Knowing this everyone can feel at ease entering the arena.
Moving forward the Town is developing a containment program to control the material seeping out of eroded cinder blocks. To reduce the risk, this program with not be implemented until after the 2017/2018 hockey season.