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Explosion forces closure of Southern Alberta arena

Damage is shown following an explosion at an ice rink in the town of Taber, Alta. in this Dec. 2025 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Town of Taber (Mandatory Credit)
Damage is shown following an explosion at an ice rink in the town of Taber, Alta. in this Dec. 2025 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Town of Taber (Mandatory Credit)

An explosion inside the Zamboni room of Taber’s community centre on Wednesday has forced the closure of the town’s arena facilities and curling club.

Town officials say the blast caused extensive damage, cracking concrete walls, damaging gas lines, and shattering glass throughout the building. The force of the explosion was strong enough to shift walls inside the facility.

No one was injured.

Inspectors and insurance adjusters are assessing the damage, but officials warn that both the large and small ice surfaces, along with the curling club, will remain closed for an extended period while the building’s safety is determined.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been identified.

Officials confirmed that the arena’s ammonia system was not damaged, though specialists are removing ammonia from the system as a precaution.

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