Town approves repair of civic center doors, addition of north entrance

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is aiming to have the sliding doors leading into the Civic Center repaired by summer, as well as taking the opportunity to increase accessibility to the facility. 

The expenditure of $50,000 to be allocated from the financial stabilization reserve was approved during the March 11 meeting.

“Due to extreme weather conditions, age of the doors, as well as extreme use, the exterior door (of the civic center) is starting to function intermittently, especially during cold weather events,” said Mark Pretzlaff, director of community and protective services for the Town of Strathmore. “Staff have tried to do their best with preventative maintenance and regular callouts, but it appears that this door has now reached its end of life.”

With the exterior door to the civic center malfunctioning, staff and residents are effectively required to enter the facility from the pool or high school entrances, as there is currently no effective alternative. 

During his presentation to council, Pretzlaff indicated three possible options suggested by administration, ranging in cost from $30,000 to $70,000 respectively. 

The first option indicated was to simply replace the malfunctioning sliding doors and motor and return the facility to a fully operational condition. 

Administration recommended that council approve the replacement of the doors and motor, as well as to renovate the vestibule to create a secondary swing door entrance in the event of future malfunctions or damage. 

The third option, and notably the most expensive, would be to have approved the replacement of the current sliding doors with two swing doors, including a door for accessibility. 

Pretzlaff noted to council that the original swing doors on the facility were replaced with sliding doors following an incident of damage to the old doors resulting in the handles being ripped off.

“I like all three options, but I definitely think … replacing the exterior sliding doors and adding this single swing door to the north vestibule wall, and while it certainly is going to add $20,000 in cost, I think just for emergency purposes, this just seems like the absolute best plan moving forward,” said Coun. Brent Wiley. 

Following approval from council, administration is required to secure additional quotes for the repair and renovation as per the town’s procurement policy. 

It is anticipated that the repair of the malfunctioning doors will take between four and six weeks to complete. 

In the meantime, weather allowing, the doors can be opened so long as the building’s heating system is not forced to be taxed for doing so. 

Regarding a long-term approach, administration may return before council at a later date to discuss potentially more durable doors, or upgrades to the facility in order to protect the equipment and preserve it for longer periods before replacement becomes inevitably required.