More work on Memorial

Photo: Colin Dacre

Concrete bricks will be dismantled to give crews access to the arches of Memorial Arena

The City of Penticton is taking a look at the arches of Memorial Arena over the next few weeks.

Crews will be removing the concrete block construction at the base of each arch to examine the condition of the glulam beams. Inspection of the arches was recommended in a 2016 study of the facility’s roof.

“This week involves preparing the building for the detailed inspection,” says Bregje Kozak, Director of Recreation and Facilities. “Next week, we will have a specialized team of wood remediation experts on site to help us determine our options and a plan.”

Last summer, the city dug up the piles anchoring the arches to the ground. This time, crews will be dismantling the bricks encasing the arches. Its expected remediation work on the arches will happen this summer.

The arena will remain operational the entire time.

“Facility users will notice openings in the interior of the building, but the areas will be localized with no impact to overall operations,” says Kozak.