BOCC Construction.
Construction on the Bobby Orr Community Centre in July 2011.
Beacon Star file photo
PARRY SOUND – Warmth is coming to the Bobby Orr Community Centre soon.
Those taking in a game or watching a figure skating or hockey practice may have found it a little chilly – even for a rink.
The reconstruction of the community centre was supposed to include heated seats, but they have never worked, say Town of Parry Sound staff.
“The material that was installed was questionable,” said Peter Brown, town director of public works at a council meeting late last month. “It was a combination of a lot of things…the bleachers can be heated, but the heating system is not functioning, because it was never set up properly and there was questionable construction. Time goes on and people are complaining about the lack of heat.”
While looking to properly install and repair the heated seat system, Brown said he’s also looking to put in an overhead heating system in the meantime.
“We were looking at overhead radiant heat, and I’m doing that in a parallel approach. I’m looking at that, as well as speaking to the engineering firm and architect firm to see if we can get this bleacher heating up and running,” Brown said. “The town and the ratepayers paid good money for that, so I’d like to see it up and running.”
Brown said the system is currently being reviewed and inspected.
“There will be some minor costs involved, because we have to bring in another professional to complete the work, as well as there’s some valves that need to be changed out. The contractor is long gone; he’s not going to honour the original contract. There will be some minor costs, but I’m doing my best to keep it at a minimum,” said Brown last week.
As for when visitors can expect toasty tushies, Brown said as soon as possible.
“I’m hoping this is up and running very soon, within the next couple of weeks,” he said. “But I’m relying on outside forces to help the cause, there’s others working on this as well.”