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Canora Civic Centre revitalization makes significant improvements

After extensive renovations to the Canora Civic Centre over the last 18 months or so, those using the facility since it opened for the winter season have been taking advantage of the changes.

            After extensive renovations to the Canora Civic Centre over the last 18 months or so,

those using the facility since it opened for the winter season have been taking advantage of the changes.

            The multi-phase project started with a new rooftop, said Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services. He said it was imperative that the roof was properly repaired before any renovations were done inside.

            “The leisure board first discussed a civic centre project in April 2016 that included many areas of the facility. A general plan and priority list was created for the facility with the lobby near the top on the list.”

            In May 2016 excess debris was cleaned out of the storage and mechanical rooms, and an interior lobby paint scheme was created.

             A new handicap-accessible concrete walkway was installed from the sidewalk to the main entrance by Prairie Projects in August 2016.

            Herriges said there was considerable work done on the rink itself.

            “Broken dasher boards were removed and replaced on the west end, and new kick board was installed around the entire perimeter of the playing surface. Goal posts were painted, goals were re-laced with new netting and new net pads were installed.”

            In September 2016 the bottom of the dasher boards was sealed to prevent water seeping underneath the perimeter slab.

            In January the arcades were removed from the lobby room to create an additional change room.

             Work to replace the civic centre rooftop started in February and a five-foot decayed hole in the ceiling was reconstructed.

            In March the civic centre standing seam roof project was completed.

            Funding was established for a lobby painting project in July. Three user groups came forward with donations, said Herriges.

            “The Canora Minor Hockey Association donated $4,000, the Canora Skating Club donated $2,000 and the Canora Flames Hockey Club contributed $1,500.” 

            In August everything was removed off the walls, ceilings, and doors, including redundant three-inch roof drain pipe systems. All trusses and conduit were cleaned, and the floor was covered and taped.

            Renegade plumbing installed motion detection water valves on the men’s urinals to replace the 46-year old constant flush system.

            All surfaces, including walls, doors, trim, partitions, and ceiling, were painted with a premium adhesion product in September by Mark Fullawka.

            Homestead Glass and Lock refitted interior lobby doors and installed new weather stripping on the south lobby exit doors, said Herriges.

            In October, after a white base was applied, the walls were striped and a large Canora Cobras logo was painted on the wall by leisure services.

            Reaction to the lobby painting has been very positive. Kelly Beblow, Canora Minor Hockey Association president, said hockey teams have been enjoying the change and say they appreciate how it brightens up the lobby. James Trofimenkoff, Canora Flames Hockey Club treasurer, and Leona Kitchen, Canora Skating Club coach, said they were quite pleased with the improvements and have heard many positive comments.

            Nehaj Builders installed new seven-foot custom vanity systems in both the women’s and men’s washrooms.

            Homestead Glass and Lock installed large vanity mirrors in both washrooms.

            New motion detection soap, paper towel, and sanitizer dispensers were installed in the washrooms.

            The civic centre opened for operations on October 16. Even though the facility is operational, there is more work planned, said Herriges.

            “New lobby LED lighting will replace over 30 light bulbs of 150-watts each. Removed wall memorabilia will be sorted through and cleaned. Some of it was water damaged from the leaking roof. The steel lobby door towards the corridor is to be replaced by Homestead Glass and Lock.” 

            Herriges said a plan will be created so the Civic Centre history will be displayed in a way that looks great and makes sense for the lobby. The plan would consider past and present user groups. He encourages anyone with an interest to volunteer in this area, and contact the Leisure Services office or talk to a board member.

            Herriges said the renovation has been a true community effort.

            “The Town of Canora would like to recognize Canora Minor Hockey, skating club, and the Flames for their generous funding contributions towards this project. This project has received great support from the community and the response for the finished product has been fantastic. With the help of the Leisure Services Board, local contractors, and Public Works, the Town of Canora was able to complete many steps towards the revitalization of one Canora’s most used and historic facilities.”