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MONCTON – This winter’s cycle of freeze and thaw is wreaking havoc with community arenas in Moncton.

Two hockey rinks in the city have significant roof leaks and those who run the facilities say the leaks were caused by ice and snow build up.

But people in the community say the arenas have been leaking for years and that it’s high time they were fixed.

Mike Arseneault, the general manager at the Crossman Community Centre and Kay Arena, says the roof at the facility has leaked nearly every year the since it was built six years ago.

“If this was my home, I would be devastated by the fact that the water is ruining the beautiful new building,” he said.

Moncton city councillor Shawn Crossman says it makes him sad to walk through the rink. The building was named after his late father and he says it’s time for the city to step in to solve the problem before taxpayers are forced to cover the bill.

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“I am told it is an incorrect roof that was put on the building,” he said.

He says the roof is only under warranty for another four years, so the city should act soon.

The clock is also ticking for repairs at a rink across town. Ice time was cancelled at the Redball Internet Ice Centre in January, where the roof was leaking.

Nick Frizell, who manages the facility for a company called Nustadia Recreation, says his company has brought in a consultant to do a full assessment on the failing roof.

“We worry about the drips on the ice because it can ruin the ice and it becomes a safety hazard as well,” he said.

“Once they access it and give us some idea of what needs to be done and what needs to be improved, we’ll look at doing that long term.”

The question is when — Crossman says the city doesn’t technically own the arena yet. The city pays the monthly mortage to use the facility, but will only take ownership of the building in eight years. He says if both the rink and the Crossman Centre do not get fixed soon, the costs will become significant.

“The city is going to have one big maintenance bill to maintain those and bring them up to par,” he said.

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