HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-086 - Repairs to Rockway Centre1
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Community Services
REPORT
Report To: Community Services Committee
Date of Meeting: October 20, 2008
Submitted By: Mark Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and
Services
Prepared By: Lynda Stewart, Facilitator Rockway Centre (741-2511)
Wards) Involved: Ward 5
Date of Report: October 6, 2008
Report No.: CSD-08-086
Subject: REPAIRS TO ROCKWAY CENTRE
RECOMMENDATION:
For information
BACKGROUND:
On July 22, 2008, Rockway Centre experienced significant water damage in the lower level after
a very intense thunderstorm. The following week, on July 30th, a second flood occurred after a
similar storm involving strong winds and a heavy downpour in a short period of time. On both
occasions, the Centre was closed the following day to allow staff and contractors to clean up
and do immediate repairs.
Water penetrated the building in several areas of the basement. The hardwood floor and drywall
in the Auditorium was the most severely damaged. In other areas, carpeting and drywall was
damaged to a lesser extent.
Electrical services to the building were also disrupted by both floods. An underground hydro
vault on the northeast side of the building filled with water during the storms. This allowed water
into the main hydro conduit into the building and the main electrical panel was flooded.
Investigations by Facilities Management staff and contractors suggest three possible sources of
the water: surface water from precipitation; ground water; and the drainage system.
This report outlines the actions taken to date and the anticipated work that will need to be
completed to address the flooding and safety issues.
Report No. CSD-08-086 Page 2
REPORT:
Initially, efforts focused on minimizing the damage to the floor and walls in the Auditorium and
other areas of the basement. This involved a contractor providing dehumidification and drying
equipment, and vacuum water extraction. Some areas of the hardwood floor were noticeably
warped and were subsequently removed. Temporary walls have been installed around those
areas, reducing the usable space in the Auditorium.
The roof leaders, or downspouts, were diverted away from the building and repairs to damaged
underground sections have been completed.
Naylor Engineering has been retained to investigate the ground water and drainage issues; a
report is expected by the late fall of 2009.
The immediate need is to complete an upgrade to the electrical conduit. This involves service
upgrades by Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and installation of a new hydro vault and related upgrades
to the interior panel.
Staff at the centre has attempted to minimize disruptions to programming, services and events.
However, given the limited availability of the Auditorium, it has been necessary to adjust or
move some activities to alternate locations. Specifically, special events attracting larger
numbers of participants and requiring food services have been moved to Rockway Golf Course
or Downtown Community Centre. Similarly, the shuffleboard group has been moved to DCC
until such time that the entire Auditorium is available for use and the floor can be repaired and
refinished to allow play.
It is expected that Facilities Management staff will present a report and capital budget request
outlining the scope of work necessary to address the underlying causes of the flooding. It is
likely to involve the excavation and re-grading of the site; application of a waterproof membrane
on the foundation; installation of a new weeping the system; and related landscaping and
concrete repairs.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
To date, the following expenses have been incurred:
$26,000 to remove water from basement
$15,500 to commission the engineering report
$5,000 to make temporary repairs to allow for most programming to continue
Operating budgets have been accessed to pay for staff time used during the clean-up
and immediate repairs after the two flooding events.
To address the immediate safety need, a capital contingency request for $35,000 will be
submitted to complete the hydro upgrade.
Future repairs to address the ongoing flooding are expected to cost approximately $400,000
and would be undertaken during 2009. Funding will be requested through the 2009 Capital
budget process. Every effort will be made to maintain patron access and normal operations at
the facility during these repairs.
Report No. CSD-08-086
Page 3
COMMUNICATIONS:
Corporate Communications staff has assisted with media releases informing the public of the
necessary closures in July and August.
Centre staff continues to respond to any inquiries from patrons and post any relevant
information.
User groups most affected by the changes received an individual letter outlining the
accommodations made for their group at other centres. The Rockway Centre Advisory Council
has also been informed of plans and progress to address these issues.
Mark Hildebrand
Director, Community Programs and Services