Structural concerns have prompted the city to announce it will be closing the SASCU Indoor Memorial Sports Complex during snowfall.
“A preliminary engineering study has been completed on the facility, and a further detailed report is being commissioned; however, there were significant concerns raised regarding the structural integrity of the building when there is a snowpack on the roof,” said the city in a Nov. 24 post on social media.
Referring to the report, the city said the facility’s roof does not have sufficient capacity to support current design for snow load. It was recommended that snow load be limited while the building is in use until a complete structural analysis is completed. The city, however, has opted to close the facility during snowfall “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Under these circumstances, it is not financially or operationally viable to keep the facility open when there is snow on the roof,” said the city. “The overall safety and well-being of the users of our facilities is, and will always be, the priority of the city and the Shuswap Recreation Society.”
The city said it recognizes the significant impact this decision will have on community organizations that use the facility over the winter.
“We are committed to working together with impacted groups to find the best available alternatives to support their continued operation,” said the city.
The city said it will be issuing a request for proposals in the coming weeks to begin the next stages of the detailed structural review, and that an update will be provided when more information is available.
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