Faced with a major project, and an urgent need to fix and replace their roof, the Tommy Douglas Centre board of directors are drawing up a plan of action for fundraising in order to address the need.
Faced with a major project, and an urgent need to fix and replace their roof, the Tommy Douglas Centre board of directors are drawing up a plan of action for fundraising in order to address the need.
And, as the board indicated at their board meeting on Thursday evening, their intention is for the centre to remain as a municipal heritage building, unless the funds simply aren't forthcoming to help the centre be viable in repairing their roof.
First, however, the board needs information as well as to know what grants might be available to help them.
They are also anxious to see some remedial repairs done right away which can help the roof last until it can be replaced.
The problem is the urgency, as a report by Roof Management and Inspections Services indicates the roof is in poor shape, and needs to be replaced within one to four years at a cost of around $100,000.
According to their report, which was commissioned by the City of Weyburn, "All sections are in poor condition with consistent cupping and severely weathered cedar shingles throughout. Some shingles have begun to split and may become dislodged from the building."
In addition, all five roof sections show signs of water leakage, but no interior damage seems to have occurred as yet.
The Tommy Douglas Centre board has sent a letter to the City of Weyburn, asking for a meeting with the City of Weyburn, or their representative, to determine what relationship exists between the two parties, and what that will mean as the Centre draws up their plans to address their pressing infrastructure needs.
Among the issues the board needs answers on is in regards to grants; director Shannon Seitz noted there are several grants available, but the board may be better able to access them if the city applies both for them and for the Soo Line Museum.
Some of the grants which may be available, which need to be applied for, include museum grants, and grants from Sask. Heritage, along with companies and corporations.
"Our immediate plan is to develop a phase 1, 2 and 3 so we have a plan, and a plan for fundraising," said director Ron Wormsbecker, adding the board should make it clear to the city when they meet, "we're not going to hold our hat out."
The remedial repairs need to be done right away, said director Carole Reeve. "If we go through another winter like we just had, that roof is done. It's in a critical situation, and we need to act right away."
"It would be wise to find someone who can do remedial repairs as soon as possible," added director Leslie Richards.
In moving forward, the board has set out their three-phase plan, along with plans for concerts and other fundraising events to come in the fall.
The three phases of the plan include one, to fix and repair the roof; two, to fix and repair the windows and siding, plus the exterior painting; and three, develop a long-term maintenance plan for the building, along with a plan for putting aside funds, so the next time repair needs come up, the centre will be able to meet it with funds they have on hand.
Meantime, what will help with the fundraising they are embarking is the rental of the Douglas Centre, as anytime a group rents or uses the building, this is income for the facility. The building is available for a wide range of uses, from weddings, banquets and meetings to tours, music lessons, workshops, concerts, classes, and each year, the Rotary Music Festival.
Other principal renters include the Crocus 80 theatre group and Flatland Catering.
"If the public comes out to support us in our fundraising, they will be investing in the ongoing survival of this heritage building," said board president Connie Nightingale.
The Tommy Douglas Centre will be open for an open house over the Centennial weekend, which is Aug. 1-5. Residents can come in for a tour then, or can call a board member to arrange for a tour.
If anyone has suggestions or ideas that the board could pursue in terms of fundraising, they can contact secretary Wendy Sidloski, or go on the website and find contact information there.
