An explosion in Taber at the Community Centre Dec. 17 was caused by a failure of a component within the fuel system of an ice resurfacer.
The blast caused significant damage within the arena and curling rink areas.
After an investigation into the incident, it was found the cause of the explosion was not caused by human error.
There was no procedural failure, and staff followed established operating procedures, the investigation concluded.
“The fuel system failure resulted in a propane leak, which created a gas cloud within the surfacer room and across the small ice surface. An electric heater in the area was identified as the source of ignition, which caused the explosion,” it was stated in a Town of Taber report.
While no one was injured, the Town recognizes this was a serious incident that could have had very serious consequences.
“Emergency procedures were followed, and staff response helped ensure the situation was managed safely,” it was noted in the report.
All areas of the Community Centre, including areas that do not appear to be visibly affected were tested.
“This was necessary because hazardous materials can travel beyond the immediate area of damage through building systems, such as ventilation and HVAC, or by the force of the explosion itself. Samples from all areas have been collected and are currently with the laboratory for analysis,” it was stated in the report. “Until those results are received, debris removal cannot begin, as the results will determine how materials must be legally and safely handled and disposed of. Although some areas of the Community Centre may not appear to be impacted, testing was required to confirm they’re safe.”
Areas cannot reopen until environmental safety and critical systems are confirmed to be safe and operational, and the Town will determine how debris must be handled and removed in compliance with safety and legal requirements.
Costs and insurance costs related to the incident and recovery are still being determined.
The Town expects this process to take weeks to months, which is typical for incidents of this nature, involving testing, assessments and insurance review.
“At this time, no decisions have been made regarding a new facility or what the future of the current building will be. Council is in the early stages of discussion only, and any future decisions related to recreation facilities would involve careful consideration of community needs, costs, funding options and public input,” it was noted in the report.
“Even when procedures are followed and there is no human error, incidents like this are an important reminder of why strong maintenance programs and emergency preparedness matter. Our teams train for these situations, and that preparedness helped ensure the incident was managed safely. We were fortunate no one was injured, and we take that as reinforcement of the importance of ongoing readiness, not as a reason to be complacent,” says Fire Chief Steve Munshaw.
Now that the Town has clear findings, adds CAO Derrin Thibault, its responsibility is to support residents and, “move forward in a thoughtful, careful, safety-first way.”
Mayor Andrew Prokop says the incident has reminded everyone how important the Community Centre is. “Not just as a building, but as a gathering place.”
“Council is at the very early stages of talking about the future, and we’re grateful for the patience, kindness and support our community and neighbouring municipalities have shown throughout this process.”
