Heavy water and calcium scaling are causing a headache for Jasper Activity Centre staff.

Blockages are preventing the arena from making ice, and staff are looking at ways of solving the problem before the September long weekend.

“We made it through last season – barely,” said Yvonne McNabb, recreation manager with the Town of Jasper.

A Mycom compressor is being rebuilt after calcium scaling completely blocked the water flowing through the cooling system.

“We have a complete blockage in the valves that go into the compressor,” said McNabb.

McNabb said the blockages are likely caused by heavy water, and the town is currently investigating alternatives to solve the problem. There are several different systems in Edmonton that are being used to treat water

“We can’t use a water softener, because it affects the ice,” McNabb said.

Currently, the town uses an ion-based system, however that doesn’t seem to be working.

Coun. Brian Skehill said the town has to find an answer to the problem.

“It’s definitely causing a lot of trouble,” Coun. Skehill said.

On top of trouble with the ice, the town is still searching for maintenance staff at the arena. The town has five candidates for a part time arena job, and will need more help this winter. Due to the staff shortage, ice bookings will now become the responsibility of activity centre staff.

In other council news, the town is waiting to hear back on two grants that would allow for the continuation of the Firesmart program. Fire chief Greg Van Tighem said he and Alan Westhaver will hear back next week about a $1.4 million grant from the Western Economic Diversification Community Adjustment fund.

“This is for Firesmart work to carry on the funding. The money is running out and we need to continue the work,” Van Tighem said.

While Van Tighem said the town presented a strong proposal, he said the competition will be tough.

“There were 56 applicants, so it’s going to be tough,” Van Tighem said.

The town also applied for a grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association to fast track some of the other Firesmart programs. That grant is smaller, Van Tighem said, however the town should hear about it in the next two or three weeks.