The City of Salmon Arm is in the process of getting a detailed “lifecycle assessment” done on the SASCU Indoor Memorial Sports Complex, which is now closed due to structural concerns.
A request for proposals (RFP) issued by city on Dec. 12 calls for an assessment of the 65-year-old structure that includes an inventory of all major components of the building, a visual condition inspection, and a “full lifecycle plan for the facility including any immediate, short, medium and long-term rehabilitation recommendations as well as anticipated retirement date.”
The RFP comes on the heels of a preliminary engineering study, the results of which prompted the city to announce on Nov 24 that it would be closing the facility during snowfall. The city explained the roof does not have sufficient capacity to “support current design for snow load,” and a decision was made to close the facility “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Under these circumstances, it is not financially or operationally viable to keep the facility open when there is snow on the roof,” said the city. “The overall safety and well-being of the users of our facilities is, and will always be, the priority of the city and the Shuswap Recreation Society.”
The announcement was not well received by user groups who rely on the facility during the winter. Some, including the Yeti Rugby Club, wrote the city, sharing their concerns as well as requests to consider options that may allow for continued use of the indoor sports field through the winter.
At its Dec. 11 meeting, city council also received a presentation from Rachel Cook. Speaking for herself and on behalf of user groups, Cook shared with council the important role the sports complex serves, providing a space “to find community and find a place to connect.”
“Where we find ourselves is a community left a little bit struggling to find our footing, to salvage the commitments that we made to our user groups and passionate about making things right with them,” said Cook, noting the timing of the city’s announcement left users wondering, “why would you take our bookings, sign our contracts for an entire winter season without being transparent… that there was a likely potential the building might not be usable?”
Cook asked that council direct staff to look at “possible mitigation strategies for the immediate term.”
“We also realize any option on this building is a stop gap…” said Cook. “But we do need this space, we need this space in the mid-to-long term so we can actually develop a plan to move forward together and that we don’t lose the communities that we’ve built in the process.
“As far as costs, you know that we’re happy to see it covered by the city, but we realize that if we want this to have a chance we most likely need to partner…”
Cook asked that a dedicated reserve fund be established for the sports complex, and noted that if the city should consider selling the facility, that users be considered.
“We just ask that you continue to keep indoor field sports at the top of your mind,” said Cook. “We want a facility we can be proud of…”
Read more: Rugby club seeks alternative to winter closure of Salmon Arm arena
Read more: Column: Safety and liability main reasons behind Salmon Arm arena closure
Mayor Alan Harrison responded to Cook, first by expressing his appreciation for her presentation before addressing a number of points raised.
First, Harrison said he and council, which he referred to as a “recreation council,” understand the social importance of recreation, noting the city spends $5.8 million on recreation, parks and culture yearly.
However, Harrison said recreation does not make money.
“Recreation fees do not build reserves,” said Harrison. “For every dollar of admission to support any recreation facility in Salmon Arm, the general taxpayer has to throw in a dollar – and that’s only if you’re doing very well. And we actually do quite well here: 50 per cent recovery, you’re doing well.”
Harrison said while it was a difficult decision for council to close the sports complex, a safety issue was raised and the city had to act.
“I’ve had some feedback, people say, ‘well, you’re just worried about the liability.’ Yeah, we are worried about the liability,” said Harrison. “We’re worried about the safety first, but the liability is not the liability of this council. It is the liability of every taxpayer that lives in the city of Salmon Arm.
“Can you imagine if we had a report that indicated that structure was unsafe with snow on it and it fell down on somebody? The financial liability to the city would be unmanageable.”
Harrison was hopeful the lifecycle analysis determines an option that, “with some monies, we could make the structure safe.”
Regardless of the outcome, Harrison stressed the city is on the same side as user groups and that they will need to work together.
“We are on your side; however, we have to be on the side of safety and I know that is not an answer you want to hear but it’s the honest answer…,” said Harrison. “Our plan is once the detailed engineering plan structural analysis is done, that we will look at that … and we will share it with you and then we need to come up with a plan together. Because no one wants to go through this again.”
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