Officials say the full cost to rebuild the arena in Taber, damaged by an explosion in December, is not covered by insurance.
Town of Taber communications manager Megan Brennan said one of the most common questions since the community was named one of the final two in the Kraft Hockeyville competition has been about insurance coverage. Brennan said insurance does not cover everything.
“In fact, it doesn’t even cover a percentage of what the asbestos removal is what’s costing a great deal of money,” she said.
“There is a cap limit to that in our insurance,” she said. “We couldn’t buy any more insurance. So that’s where that money that we don’t have, that gap, is coming from.”
The explosion has forced the community to turn to fundraising efforts to bridge remaining costs not included in the town’s policy. Along with the Hockeyville campaign, the town is also set to host a “Play On” street hockey tournament, followed by the Raise the Roof fundraising concert to help rebuild the facility.
“It’s not that we can’t rebuild and that we’re not going to rebuild. Of course we are,” Brennan said. “But insurance has its limits, and unfortunately we found ours with this explosion.”
Despite the financial challenges, Brennan said the mood in Taber has been overwhelmingly positive since the Hockeyville announcement. She described the feeling of learning the community was one of the two finalists as “euphoria.”
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing. It is incredibly exciting.”
Beyond the dollars, Brennan said the strong support from across Alberta and the rest of Canada has been just as meaningful.
“When you lose something in your community that is a heartbeat, like an arena is, it really, really hurts,” she said. “But what makes it better is knowing that community is there to support you.”
The winner of the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville competition is set to be announced April 4 during a broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada.
Regardless of the outcome, Brennan said Taber is grateful — and mindful of fellow finalist Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
“It’s an honour to be named top two,” she said. “Whatever happens … we’re cheering both communities on and wish both communities the absolute best.”
