An assessment of The Nanaimo Curling club facility found more than $4 million is needed for a new roof and surface for the ice. The city’s finance and audit committee decided to recommend council approve between $4 million and $5.5 million over the next five to seven years
A staff report to the committee noted the roof is in need of replacement and concrete work is needed to support the ice.
“While the roof is 11 years past its expected service life, patching can continue for the immediate future; however, each leak allows water to enter, causing damage and the potential for hidden risks that could severely impact the structure,” the report says. “A roof is critical to the function of interior space and structural soundness regardless of the activity taking place.”
Part of the motion the committee voted for is investigating uses for the facility beyond curling. The report notes the Curling Club has a membership of about 460 people as of 2023.
“I do have concerns, all the other level of priorities in terms of the number of people that would be benefitting from that scale of investment and looking at the location of that site and the need for other services,” Councillor Ben Geselbracht said.
Councillors pointed out the facility is already used for more than just the curling club, with events being hosted upstairs
When asked if the structure is worth repairing based on its age, city staff pointed out it is a sound facility aside from the major repair needs.
Staff noted the curling club facility has been in need of attention for a while, but it has been pushed down the priority list.
“My feeling is, I think we should be doing responsible asset management and as the report says, looking at additional ways the club could be used during the off season perhaps but at least start to address the major critical shortcomings of the structure of the building,” Councillor Ian Thorpe said.
