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Arena roof needs attention sooner rather than later

Arena association requested funding for project during regular council meeting
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File photo

After consultation with an engineer on the sagging portion of the arena roof over the existing plant room, it has been determined that the existing roof needs to be replaced. The Eckville Arena Operating Association had planned to include roof modifications with a new plant but the timeline has shifted now that it’s clear the structure is under stress.

With the knowledge the plant is “living on borrowed time,” Terry Engen, chairman of the Eckville Arena Operating Association came to council with a request for funding to be used for replacing the roof and upgrading it to accommodate a new plant when required.

While the amount of snow this season hasn’t caused much of a load on the roof so far, the engineering report strongly recommends if snow loading conditions occur that the roof be cleared off quickly.

“It appears that 40 years ago when that [portion of the roof] was built, it was not [built with]bought trusses or engineered. It was built into the main arch of the building and it looks as though that stressor in there over the years is finally letting go,” said Engen

Engen reminded council this means the structure has dropped 5 - 7 inches depending on where you measure from. The roof has been reinforced with beams and a steel post. However, Engen pointed to the engineering report and the recommendation of snow removal during a heavy downfall as indicators that time has run out on taking action.

Engen made a formal request for $70,513.14 from the Town to contribute towards roof replacement and compressor room expansion. The association will be approaching the County of Lacombe for the same amount.

This amount is 25 percent of the proposed budget for the project which is estimated will take 75 days to complete. In order to be considered for grant funding from the Government of Alberta, municipalities sharing the arena are required to provide partial funding. The arena committee is applying for a Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant and a Community Initiatives Program (CIP) grant.

“We will be highlighting that this is emergent and not just a little retrofit,” said Engen.

As the arena is owned by the Town, Council decided to discuss the request further in their Jan. 29 budget meeting and make their decision then.



myra.nicks@eckvilleecho.com

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