(by Colin MacLean)
SUMMERSIDE – Curlers venturing out onto the ice this season at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club will notice something new about their lanes.
A new system, unique in Atlantic Canada as far as the Club is aware, has completely replaced the rink’s need to paint its ice surface every year.
The new system is from a company called Jet Ice, based in Newmarket, Ontario, and is basically a series of huge plastic mesh sheets that are laid down on the floor and over which the ice is frozen.
The sheets make the ice look exactly the same as it would have if it were painted – except they’re reusable year after year. Jet Ice gives the sheets a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years – maybe more with top-notch care.
It’s a huge undertaking and investment for the facility, said Robbie Rankin, general manager.
However, they believe it’s a good move, both for their bank account and for the environment.