The quickly growing “out-burb” community of Carignan, south of Montreal, Canada was looking for a way to offer additional outdoor activities to its citizens with a new skating rink. Looking for the right compromise between the year-round convenience of an indoor arena and the fresh air pleasures of a natural outdoor rink the city leaders settled on a refrigerated and covered outdoor rink.

Even in Canada the actual part of the year that a natural rink can offer good skating conditions is only about 8-10 weeks. Refrigeration can extend that period and a roof cover can further protect it from late winter sun melting. Further advantages included having a year-round weather protected venue for concerts and other activities in all seasons.

With an eye towards the aesthetics, the decision was made to have a flat wooden roof structure and slim steel supports to maximize the desired sense of “outdoorsiness” while being under the structure and minimizes the visual impact of the structure when viewed from afar.

With the confidence that came from extensive AGA studies on the suitability of hot-dip galvanizing in conjunction with treated woods, the specifiers decided on HDG steel for the minimalist vertical supporting structures. The high strength of steel allowed the slimmest possible cross section and the proven performance of HDG was vital since ironically the area around the skating rink will be laced with de-icing salts to ensure that any slippery stuff is limited to the rink itself. Corrosion at the base of columns exposed to de-icing chemicals is a real safety and cost consideration and hot-dip galvanized steel was the least expensive solution by far and its natural pure zinc beauty contrasts nicely now and in the future with the beautifully exposed wood roof it supports.

With the time-tested performance of HDG structures and the beauty of the stained wood roof, the residents of Carignan will surely enjoy a lifetime of seasonal cycles with crisp winter skates and warm summer concerts safely dry under the strong and long supporting cover of this beautiful and beneficial structure.