Royal Distributing Athletic and Performance Centre roof to be repaired again this fall

BRUCEDALE – The roof on the Royal Distributing Athletic and Performance Centre in Marden is leaking and it will cost Guelph/Eramosa Township $44,000 to fix it. 

The building was constructed in 2010, and the original installation company made repairs under warranty in 2019, but “there has been an ongoing issue with leaks,” states an Aug. 14 report from chief administrative officer Ian Roger.

The upcoming repairs are not covered by the warranty. 

Garland Canada Inc. conducted an assessment of the roof and eaves earlier this summer and submitted a 70-page inspection report outlining its findings and possible measures to repair the roof. 

Infrared photos show where moisture is getting inside the building. 

“It doesn’t look like it’s anything serious at this point,” Roger said. 

But “it’s a metal roof that’s been up 13 years and the heating causing contractions and shrinkage throughout the years has loosened a number of connectors and there’s seams that just aren’t tight anymore.

“So rather than putting this through another winter cycle … we should get up there this fall and get some work done on it,” he said. 

“You can’t fool around with roofs, right?” said Mayor Chris White.

“Get in there as soon as you can get it done. Because once water’s in, this $44,000 becomes $250,000 and then you’re shutting the facility.

“I’m glad you’re catching this early.” 

Five bids were submitted for the roof repairs, ranging from $44,668 to $99,642, before tax. 

The consultants from Garland Canada Inc. recommended Guelph/Eramosa award the tender to the lowest bidder, Riverside Roofing. 

Councillor Corey Woods expressed some concern the lowest bid may not be the same quality of work as the higher bids. 

Roger assured the consultant has worked with all five companies and that each would complete the same work. 

The roof repairs were not identified in the 2023 budget. Money from the Working Fund Reserve will be used to cover the cost of the repairs and inspection. 

Though the building does have its own designated reserve fund, that money will not be used so it can be saved for future projects. 

According to the report, “the projected balance of the Working Fund Reserve at the end of 2023 will be approximately $900,000.”

Reporter