The main roof area of the Bentley arena and curling rink is getting an almost half-million-dollar upgrade. The roof, not including the lobby area that had its metal roof replaced not too long ago, is getting recovered.
At a July 10 special meeting, Bentley town council had decided to proceed with a roof retrofit, and to hire Timcon Construction to install 1.5 inches of insulation and Duro Guard XPS material over the existing roof. A bylaw was also passed to borrow the money for the capital expenditure. Option 1 had been a total roof replacement which seemed far less feasible.
Work started inside the arena on August 19 with beams being sanded and spray-painted which hopefully brightens the area and makes it more aesthetic to the eye.
Outside work is progressing.
It involves installing an over-roof system, complete with new insulation, over the existing sheeting and removal of the existing vapour barrier and insulation. The existing skylights will be covered over and it is hoped that leaks that have been plaguing the facility for quite a while will be stopped and the building will be warmer.
Total cost of the project is to be $493,725, including a five per cent contingency.
The town had approached Lacombe County for financial help and at the county's July 24 council meeting they agreed to contribute half, or $246,862, funded from the county’s Recreation Capital Assistance Reserve.
The project is to be finished before the hockey/skating/curling season starts. Arena ice is scheduled to be ready for use October 14, the usual start up time for Bentley.