Whereas new regulations introduced for ammonia safety have resulted in significant operating cost increases, and increased staff certifications required for operating arenas; And whereas communities in the Central and Northern regions of the province have limited financial and human resources, and difficulty accessing the costly training required to meet these new staffing regulations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of BC work with post-secondary institutions and other providers to increase the availability of technical certificates and programs to address this critical trade shortage, and that additional funding for, or creation of new programs, such as apprenticeship programs in affected communities, be funded to allow arena staff to access training that is currently cost prohibitive and mostly only available in the Lower Mainland.
Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training The Provincial Government supports local governments in their goal of ensuring winter recreational facilities, such as ice rinks and curling rinks, are safe for public use. This includes increasing certification requirements for any person operating an ammonia refrigeration system and the implementation of an equipment integrity management program to ensure ammonia refrigeration plant equipment will function properly throughout its lifespan. Technical certification for any person operating an ammonia refrigeration system is administered through Technical Safety British Columbia TSBC. Currently, regulations do not require a worker to have refrigeration and mechanical certification administered through the ITA. Training to prepare for the TSBC certification exam is available at the British Columbia Institute of Technology BCIT, through a distance learning course. Certification exams can be written at TSBC offices across the province, including locations in Prince George and Fort St. John. Through consultations with Industry, the Provincial Government may determine that additional training programs are required to address labour shortages in this area. For additional information, please contact TSBC.