The Winkler Arena's ice plant will be operational by the end of the month.

After an approximately four week shutdown, the community's only ice surface will be ready for use Friday, November 30, just in time for a Pee Wee hockey tournament.

Recreation, Tourism and Culture Director Deb Penner explains the repairs to the aging ice plant have gone smoothly and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, staff will build the ice Friday morning next week after which the original arena schedule resumes.

"We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this process, including the users, staff, and CIMCO who helped make this happen as quickly and efficiently as possible," Penner says.

The sudden mechanical failure of the city's ice plant November 1 had especially put the pressure on Winkler Minor Hockey, which already books ice time in rinks around the region. High school hockey teams also scrambled to rearrange games and practices, while the Winkler Flyers temporarily moved their home games to Morden during the shutdown.

The cost of repairing the arena's ice plant is estimated to be around $125,000 to $135,000.