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Beeton Arena lifespan to be extended with new bracing system to reinforce roof

August 3, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

New Tecumseth Town Council has decided to retain the services of a structural engineer to go ahead with work on a new bracing system to reinforce the roof at the Beeton Arena.

An engineering report stated that trusses in the roof showed significant buckling near the exterior walls. This buckling indicates that the arena trusses experienced structural failure from a structural engineering standpoint.

The report indicates that there is no immediate danger. However, catastrophic failure could occur without adequate measures to rectify the situation. The situation will be particularly dangerous during winter when snow accumulates on the arena roof.

It was recommended the arena stay closed this coming winter due to those concerns.

At that time, Council had four options to consider. These included a new x-bracing system, completing all identified structural deficiencies, completing all noted deficiencies, including the truss system, or closing the facility with future consideration for demolition.

At the July 24 council meeting, Ward 6 Councillor, Nicole Cox, read feedback from Beeton residents after meeting with them in a public forum recently.

“Residents, businesses, and user groups have reached out with their concerns,” Coun. Cox stated. “A consistent theme has occurred – that’s if the facility or community centre is removed from Beeton we will not see a replacement for a significant amount of time.”

She went on to say, “The report from a qualified engineer says with minor truss reinforcement and new x-bracing designed by a professional engineer, installed between the trusses, this building can be expected to function for many years from a structural perspective.”

Coun. Cox requested the current motion regarding the closing of the arena in October be amended to ask the council to complete the minor truss reinforcements, new X-bracing system and tightening of all bolt connections. She proposed this be paid for by the Beeton facility reserve fund.

The estimated cost of a new bracing system is between $150,000 and $300,000.

The motion was passed by a vote of 7-2. Coun. Alan Masters was absent from the meeting.

While repairs will get underway, the facility will not be ready before October, when the area will close for safety reasons.

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