New transformer installed following fire at Meridian Community Centre
Pelham will tap Meridian Community Centre (MCC) reserve funds to finance the cost of replacing a transformer damaged by fire last month that is not covered by insurance.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
On April 4, the transformer at the community centre caught fire, causing power loss through the entire arena complex, resulting in the cancellation of a weekend of events, including the annual Fonthill Kinsmen Home and Garden Show.
A temporary portable generator was installed the following day, restoring power and enabling MCC to operate fully.
In the following days, the town said the transformer was damaged beyond repair, requiring the purchase of a replacement.
During Wednesday’s town council meeting, public works director Jason Marr said a new, permanent transformer was installed on April 26.
Asked about the cause of the fire, Marr told councillors that “the insurers have a team of engineers and investigators that are looking into it, but, at this point, we don’t have an answer.”
The old transformer has been shipped to the town's public works yard, where it will stay until the investigation is complete.
Soon after the fire, an electrical contractor and Hydro One recommended to town staff that the MCC transformer unit be reduced to 1,000 kVA (volt-amps) from its original 2,000 kVA.
Usage reports showed that MCC’s largest draw was 680 kVA.
A report to council said the smaller equipment will allow the community centre to operate fully, and potentially lower electrical costs.
The estimated cost to replace the transformer is anticipated to be about $385,000.
Town insurance is expected to cover the bulk of the bill, leaving about $100,000 uninsured. Council agreed to pay the remainder from its MCC reserve, for which its balance was $393,340 as of Dec. 31, 2023.
The report said the total loss of revenue due to the fire is unknown, but said estimated costs to run the facility with the portable generator was $30,000 a week.
It also said the rental revenue lost — from April 4 to 8 — was $7,674, plus an additional $1,548 from April 11, when a generator caused MCC power to fail.
The original transformer was owned and maintained by the Town of Pelham, but the new unit was purchased through Hydro One, with a maintenance and operation agreement.