RC120 SeptOct 2025 - Magazine - Page 19
Top: The City of Kingston has introduced Canada’s first-ever Liquid Desiccant Dehumidifier (LDD) system for arena dehumidification, at the INVISTA Centre.
Unlike traditional dehumidification systems, which rely on natural gas heating, the LDD uses a liquid desiccant and heat pump technology to dry the air.
technology to other municipal rinks—provided the
performance data con昀椀rms the initial energy modeling
projections. “If the testing proves out, we’d love to
deploy this system in all of our arenas,” says Horne.
“It’s an unbelievable technology that has the potential to
transform how facilities like this operate across Canada.”
That potential, Horne adds, isn’t just about the
technology itself, but about what it represents.
“Municipalities tend to be risk-averse, for good reason,
but I hope this shows that taking a calculated risk—
especially through strong partnerships—can lead to major
bene昀椀ts,” he says. “We want Kingston to lead by example
in sustainability and innovation.”
For Horne personally, the project holds special
RENEWCANADA.NET
signi昀椀cance. “Being part of this from the beginning and
building these partnerships has been incredibly rewarding,”
he re昀氀ects. “In ten years, I’d love to be able to walk into any
rink in Canada with my daughter and say, ‘I helped make
this happen.’”
Although there are no public tours currently scheduled,
Horne encourages residents interested in the system to reach
out. “We’re always happy to share more about the project,”
he says. “It’s something we’re proud of—and we hope it
inspires others.”
As the LDD system hums quietly beneath the surface,
Kingston once again proving that big things happen when
cities invest in clean technology, strong partnerships, and a
bold vision for the future.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 – RENEW CANADA 19
