Extended repairs to Char-Lan arena

The Char-Lan Recreation Centre in Williamstown will require an additional $260,000 in repairs after renovations exposed rust and corrosion in the roof purlins.

The Char-Lan Recreation Centre in Williamstown will require an additional $260,000 in repairs after renovations exposed rust and corrosion in the roof purlins. The purlins form the horizontal structure that runs perpendicular to the trusses, supporting the roof and helping to balance the weight of the roof materials and snow onto the building frame. The original purlins had not been treated or painted to protect them and, at some point, water permeated causing the extensive rust and damage.

In a report to council, Sherry-Lynn Harbers, GM of Parks, Recreation and Culture, said approximately 200 purlins require replacement. This additional work will ensure the structural elements will last the lifetime of the new roof being installed. The replacement work is anticipated to result in a delay of approximately seven to eight weeks to the overall project schedule.

Ice installation will occur following substantial completion of the project, resulting in an anticipated facility reopening in late October. To limit the delays for teams that use the creation, township administration will reach out to other arenas for ice rental options during the continued renovations. The replacement of purlins will fit within the approved project budget of $2.4 million.