Roof leak closes community centre for public use

Shelburne Community Centre won’t be ready until 2019

It might be next year before the Shelburne Community Centre returns to regular operations, after a leaking roof has forced the closure of the auditorium and meeting rooms A and B due to water infiltration.

The problem started last winter when a storm damaged a large section of roofing on the south side of the building. A temporary roof was put in place following last winter’s storm, says town CAO Darren Shupe.

“The temporary membrane has, in the meantime, formed leaks which has allowed water into the building,” he said.

About what happens next, Shupe said the “next steps include having a permanent roof installed in early November, followed by an interior assessment to determine the extent of damage on the inside of the building due to water infiltration. At this point contractors will be brought into repair any damage incurred. The majority of this work will be covered by insurance.”

Due to the nature of the damage assessment process and the initial temporary roof repairs, the roofing and ventilation contractors were not confirmed until mid-summer, which is why it has taken so long for the roof to be permanently fixed, says Shupe.

“As contractors typically have their work-season scheduled in the previous winter or spring, this meant that we would slot later in their schedule,” he said. “We now expect the roof to be completed in November.”

Fire department operations have not been hindered because the roof on the north end of the building has not been affected, says Shupe. However, the ladies auxiliary operations were significantly impacted, and the town is looking into ways to address this.

“We understand and appreciate the community’s frustration over the loss of an important facility for such an extended period. However, we must ensure that the facility is safe to use before we return to regular operations,” says Shupe. “Given the nature of repairs remaining, we do not expect the building to be ready for use until the new year.”

The temporary closure of the community centre will displace a number of upcoming community events, including the Remembrance Day ceremony, which will be held at Shelburne Regional High School. The annual Christmas Craft Show has been cancelled.