Bob Grylls
WESTMEATH – Two large projects at the Westmeath Arena are presently underway.
One is replacing the access to the second floor hall and at the opposite side of the building, a new septic system is being installed.
The new entranceway/ramp is finally underway and its completion within sight.
The original was 45 years old, needing replacement because of safety issues. Additionally, an extended roof to cover both the entrance and the ramp was added to the plan.
Funding from an Ontario Trillium grant, Whitewater Region and the Westmeath & District Recreation Association will cover the expenditure.
The project was dogged by a later start than anticipated to October 2019, then real challenges struck. In November, a formerly used artisan well and hidden away for years was in the in the excavation zone.
Accidentally knocked open during construction, the well flooded the area that was dug, until it was finally able to be resealed a few weeks later.
This was followed by the necessity to relocate a high-voltage transformer to permit a sonotube placement that would support the extended roof. The early winter put everything in limbo until warmer weather. That was delayed too by Covid-19.
The irony is the project allowing entry into the Community Hall will be completed earlier than permission of hall usage due to the pandemic.
At the opposite side of the building, the septic tanks had overflowed a few weeks prior to the pandemic, putting the brakes on arena water and sewage facilities.
While the arena was closed due to the pandemic, bids were requested to replace the 45-year-old tanks to bring them up to current standards. The old tanks were removed, and excavation completed.
Two new septic tanks were installed to service the arena and the fire-station, one at a20 ft. depth and the second on top of it. Still to be done is the laying of the weeping tiles, then graveled over.
Unfortunately, again because of the pandemic, other much anticipated plans have been postponed one year to 2021. The relocation of the cenotaph across from the arena by Whitewater Region to a township property at Gore Line and Westmeath Road is one of them. It will feature an appealing parkette with benches to sit on.
As well, the Active Living Rest Station to be built and a Waterless Toilet to be installed in the vacated cenotaph area had to put off until next year. This overall project is being handled by the Tour de Whitewater group, a sub-committee of the WDRA.
Additional plans are to create a picnic area populated with exercise equipment suitable for all ages. The 3rd and final phase is creation of a walking track targeted for the seniors. Costs will be covered by Tour de Whitewater cycling event profits and community grants.
There is no definitive date when Arena facilities will be open to visitors, whether fully open or in smaller groups practicing safe distancing. The Renfrew County District Health Unit will determine the timing.
