Urgent Closure of Kinsmen Arena for Safety Repairs Effective Immediately

UPDATE: The City of Cranbrook has announced the immediate closure of the Kinsmen Arena for essential safety repairs. This urgent decision follows the discovery of chipping and peeling lead-based paint on the arena’s main beams, posing a health risk to the public.

Starting now, the arena will be closed until further notice, as repairs are prioritized to ensure the safety of all users. The City’s staff emphasized that this precautionary measure is vital for the continued health and safety of everyone who utilizes the facility.

This closure brings significant changes to scheduled events:
– The Career & Education Expo previously set for Thursday, September 4 will now take place at the Cranbrook Curling Club.
– Unfortunately, the final night of roller skating planned for Sunday, September 7 will be canceled.

Repair estimates are currently underway, and a detailed work schedule will be released soon. The City of Cranbrook is making every effort to complete the necessary repairs ahead of the planned reopening on October 2, just in time for the hockey season.

Officials express deep gratitude to residents, user groups, and event organizers for their understanding and flexibility during this period. This situation underscores the importance of community safety, and the city is committed to keeping everyone informed as updates become available.

Stay tuned for more developments as the City of Cranbrook works diligently to resolve these safety issues and restore access to the Kinsmen Arena. Your safety is our top priority!