Out of an abundance of caution, the SASCU Indoor Memorial Sports Complex, located at 351 3rd Street SW, will be closed effective the first snowfall of the winter.
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.
Specifically, the report stated that the existing roof does not currently have sufficient capacity to support the current design snow loading and it is recommended that the overall snow loading on the building should be limited while it remains in use until a complete structural analysis of the building can be completed. It further noted that the removal of snow from existing roofs can be a difficult and costly process to complete.
Under these circumstances, it is not financially or operationally viable to keep the facility open when there is snow on the roof. 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.
We recognize the significant impact that this decision will have on our community organizations. We are committed to working together with impacted groups to find the best available alternatives to support their continued operation. The City will be issuing a Request for Proposals to begin the next stages of the detailed structural review of the facility in the coming weeks. An update will be provided when more information is available.