By Rosalind Russell – The Public Services Standing Committee was provided an update on the Centennial Arena project in Elliot Lake with Dr. Dan Tingley of Wood Research and Design.
Tingley says he expects the reconstruction of the arena, which needs some structural changes with the roof trusses, as well as insulation and roofing work to be structurally sound in early September.
He also reviewed the schedule for roofing, restoration design, foundation issues, and other similar arena restoration projects that the contractor has completed.
Acting Director of Public Works Bill Goulding says the design documents are expected this week.
He adds a phase one grant application was also sent to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for funding up to $2 million for the restoration.
Goulding says the with 50 per cent grant application now completed, it opens the opportunity for further grant requests for other costs above $4 million.
Final costs of the retrofit are expected to exceed $4 million with a fundraising campaign now also underway in the community.