At their regular meeting held the last week of January, Rocky View County approved funding to help the Spray Lake Family Sports Centre purchase a dehumidifier, allowing the facility to go year round with ice capabilities.

In a press release, Reeve Rolly Ashdown said he's happy to see the approval to help the staple in the community.

"We are pleased to support this request as this well used centre will be able to provide year round ice for recreation enthusiasts," says the Reeve. "This centre continues to be forward-thinking and efficient in providing recreation opportunities for area residents, making use of the arena(s) during warmer weather."

The County will be responsible for 50% of the purchase of the dehumidifier, which comes with a $300,000 price tag. It's believe that it won't take long for the unit to pay for itself, as there's a high demand for year round ice in Cochrane. Funding will come from the Ranch Lands Recreation Board.

The dehumidifier will allow ice to be installed during warmer weather by reducing moisture and lowering utility costs, prolonging the life of the arena in the process.

Spray Lakes Family Sports Centre currently houses three NHL sized ice surfaces within it's almost 200,000 square feet perimeter, and is used by around 14,000 users weekly.