Roof repairs slated for Memorial Arena

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - Penticton

Repairs to the roof of an iconic  building, where young hockey players have honed their skills for decades, will not cost as much as originally thought.

Previous estimates for a full roof replacement at the Memorial Arena in Penticton ranged from $1.2 milion to as high as $1.7 million, but a recently completed report showed costs will not be that high.

"Some people had said it would cost millions, but the projected findings of that study are, changes to be made are not as expensive as what was anticipated," said Councillor Wes Hopkin.

The 2,212 seat multi-purpose arena was  built in 1951 and played host to hockey, figure skating events, training camps, concerts and even circuses over the years.

It continues to serve as an important ice surface for local minor hockey teams, the Okanagan Hockey School and many recreational leagues.

In recent years, there has been increasing leaking problems in the roof. So during the 2013 capital budgeting process, council approved $30,000  in the annual facilities capital budget for an assessment on the roofing conditions, as well as a structural condition assessment of the roof. 

The assessment found the replacements of grommets and silicon injection were recommended for the repair in 2013 at a cost of  $40,000.

It also found that repairs over time were anticipated to be $569,000 to extend the lifespan of the roof for 25 years.

The council has approved the reallocation of capital funds to do the repairs from the savings resulting from other facilities' roof repairs, and the partial reallocation of funds from the rooftop units replacement.

"It is very important for residents that we can make the repairs and improve the lifespan of this long-existing building," said Hopkin.