Contractors expect Western Financial Place’s arena roof to be 100% watertight by mid-June with the full replacement complete by early August.
Work began on the project back on May 5th, 2020.
Budgeted at $3.55-million, the City of Cranbrook’s consultant said most of the unknowns with the arena roof have been opened and explored, and no additional concerns are anticipated with the project.
“The contractors have been hard at it and have been following enhanced safe work practices due to COVID-19. Even though the workplace challenges have increased with COVID-19, the project is proceeding on schedule and within budget,” said Stacy Paulsen, Facility Operations Manager. “We look forward to a watertight facility once the project is complete.”
$1.26-million was provided from the federal Gas Tax program to the City of Cranbrook for the arena roof replacement at Western Financial Place.
The start of hockey season is not expected to be impacted by the roof construction or interfere with any ice-making or other preparations.
The City said any reopening time frames for Western Financial Place and the other arena venues will closely follow recommendations and guidelines from the B.C. Government, WorkSafeBC and Interior Health.
Besides the arena roof, several other upgrades are being complete at Western Financial Place, include new arena boards and glass, a new refrigeration chiller and heat exchanger, and a new video scoreboard. All of the projects should be complete by the end of August in anticipation of the new hockey season and the Cranbrook Bucks inaugural season in the BCHL.
