ATHABASCA - Pipes burst at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex Jan. 15 due to the extreme cold weather at both the main entrance and at the Whispering Hills Daycare entrance.
The pipes affected at each entrance are part of the facility’s fire safety systems — Multiplex general manager Kelsea Brown stated it took about seven hours for repairs to be complete.
“It busted around 11 a.m., and a second break happened around 1 p.m.,” Brown explained. “The repair crews were quick to get there, and they were out of there by about 8 p.m.”
She said it caused a bit of an inconvenience during the time the sprinkler systems were repaired.
“I know of a few people who were displaced,” Brown continued. “They include of course the daycare, minor hockey and the Athabasca Skate Club.”
In a Jan. 15 email to parents, Whispering Hills Daycare executive director Kelsey Vowell said the safety of the children under their care remains their responsibility.
“We have coordinated actions with the community’s public safety officials, landlords, licensing and (our) Board of Directors,” Vowell said.
The Multiplex daycare facility remained closed Jan. 16 as a safety precaution, but was open for business once again the next day.
