An explosion caused significant damages to Taber's Community Centre. (Photo: Town of Taber)

By David Opinko

‘Substantial damage’ after explosion in Taber’s Community Centre

Dec 18, 2025 | 10:45 AM

The Town of Taber is continuing to provide updates following a serious incident at the Community Centre.

They say, late Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17, an explosion occurred in the area of the small ice arena Zamboni room. This caused significant damage within the arena and curling rink areas.

Following the explosion, there was a secondary, localized fire.

Emergency response procedures were immediately activated.

The facility was evacuated, and all occupants were accounted for.

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Nobody was hurt, but town officials say the early inspections show “widespread physical damage,” including:

• Interior walls shifted from their original positions
• Extensive glass breakage
• Large doors forced out
• Cracked concrete block walls and debris
• Damage to gas lines
• Water intrusion, with water service shut down as a precaution

To stabilize the site and reduce risk:

• Natural gas service to the building was shut off
• The ammonia system was isolated immediately
• No damage occurred to the ammonia system
• Qualified specialists are removing ammonia from the system as a precautionary measure

  @lethbridgenewsnow Taber explosion causes significant damage. Learn more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #Taber #Alberta #News ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now

Due to the level of damage and the scope of inspections required, the affected portions of the Community Centre will remain unusable for a prolonged period.

Facility availability:

• Aquafun Centre: Unaffected and operating on its regular schedule
• Auditorium: Closed to the public until further notice
• Large and Small Ice Arenas: Closed until further notice
• Curling Club: Closed until further notice
• Leased spaces: Closed pending safety clearance

Recreation staff are unable to confirm what skating, hockey, curling, or other ice-based programming or rental will look like moving forward. Decisions will depend on the results of ongoing damage assessments and when repairs can be completed.

Anyone who feels impacted or overwhelmed is encouraged to reach out for support through Alberta’s Mental Health Helpline, available 24 hours a day at 1-877-303-2642.

An explosion caused significant damages to Taber’s Community Centre. (Photo: Town of Taber)

An explosion caused significant damages to Taber’s Community Centre. (Photo: Town of Taber)