New mats coming to the speed skating oval in Fort St John

The speed skating oval in the Pomeroy Sport Centre will be receiving newer safer mats. 

Fort St John city council made the decision on Monday during its regular council meeting.  

The report prepared by city staff estimated the cost to be $172,462.50, but they recommended the council make the swap. 

“Upgrading the speed skating oval mats represents a strategic investment in maintaining the Pomeroy Sport Centre’s status as a host venue for speed skating events across Canada,” said staff in its report – though, they noted the venue is not fit for elite-level athletes. 

Mayor Lilia Hansen said only hosting junior events isn’t necessarily a setback for the facility.  

“What I love about the skaters that we have, (is) they come with their families – so, we bring more people actually into our community with the level we’re hosting,” explained the mayor. 

A Quebecois business, World Mat Gym, will supply the mats – staff said they are the only company able to meet the venue’s specific requirements.  

The current mats were installed in 2009 and, during this winter’s visit from Speed Skating Canada, were deemed key safety concerns.  

The mats, which sit in the “crash zone,” do not absorb enough force for skaters to safely bump into them in case of a fall.  

Crash zones are the areas where skaters are most likely to slip or skid into a wall – hence, safe padding is a must – especially because the facility hosts young athletes. 

The councillors voted unanimously to replace the mats.  

During deliberations, city councillors Jim Lequiere and Tony Zabinsky asked what could be done with the mats to avoid them going to waste.

“I would hope we wouldn’t take it to our landfill because (in) our landfill this uses up a lot of airspace,” said councillor Zabinsky. 

City staff said plans for the old mats have not been finalized – but they hope to auction the mats to an outdoor oval.