By Charles Lefebvre

Strathcona Centre to close in September for significant renovations

May 1, 2019 | 3:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The city will begin a major renovation to a seniors facility this summer.

The Strathcona Centre will see renovations to the roof and exterior, and the replacement of several components that are at the end of their lifespan. The renovation will result in the building closing for three months starting in September.

“The building hasn’t been renovated significantly in 40 years,” said Scott Woodside, a project manager with the City of Medicine Hat. “It’s come to the end of its life cycle, and we are going to be residing the building, giving it a new look.”

Woodside says they will be replacing the stucco finish with a panel type siding similar to the nearby Veiner Centre.

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Last year, contractors conducted renovations which included electrical work, renovated washrooms and new lighting and carpet inside. The total cost of those renovations was $225,000.

This summer, renovations will also include a new barrier free entryway to the building, a new roof, new HVAC equipment and a new fire alarm system.

Woodside says the first phase of exterior work is expected to begin July 8, following the Alberta 55 plus Summer Provincial Games.

On September 2, the centre will close to allow the interior work to be completed. Woodside says the closure is for safety concerns and to allow the contractor to finish the work quicker. The building would reopen December 2.

“Buildings do have a lifetime, and they require maintenance and upkeep,” he said. “This is part of that, is doing our due diligence, to make sure the building has a nice new roof to keep it nice and dry, and new siding to not just update the life of the building, but to keep it looking good.”

Woodside adds he’s hoping users of the Strathcona Centre will be impressed with the final results.

While the Strathcona Centre is closed, users of the facility with fitness passes will be able to use their pass at the Crestwood Recreation Centre. The city is currently working to find spaces for other programs that run out of the centre before it closes in September.