The Bragg Creek Community Centre is currently under re-construction after a pipe burst, damaging half the building.
On Jan. 14, one of the fire-suppression pipes in the ceiling burst at approximately 8 p.m., leaking a combination of water and fire suppressant on the stage and auditorium area with damage extending to the back half of the building, destroying the auditorium and meeting rooms.
“It is a big hub of the community. This has affected lots of people,” explained Luanne Murphy, facility director of the community centre.
While the cause of the pipe burst is still under investigation by the insurance company, there is currently a restoration company removing all the damaged materials, including the flooring in the auditorium.
“After this, we are going to be looking at putting this place back together,” Murphy said.
Organizers are currently working with the insurance company to try and get the process moving as quickly as possible, with the director hopeful that the restoration timeline stays within four to six months.
“The community has really reached out – we haven’t had to cancel any of our programs and our performing arts has been able to relocate the three big concerts they had booked here,” Murphy said.
With community support, the various community centre programs have been moved to alternative Bragg Creek venues, including Country Kids Daycare, Redwood House, The CountryWood, Yoga Within the Heart, Snowbirds Chalet and Banded Peak School.
“Residents have been able to explore new facilities – it’s been great to see the community get together and it’s been great to diversify and know you have such a strong community backing,” said Shaye Radford, Bragg Creek Community Centre program coordinator.
While the centre managed to survive the 2013 flood with little damage, this is not the first time the Bragg Creek Community Centre has experienced destruction. The community centre was rebuilt almost two decades ago when a fire burned the building to the ground in 1998.
“We’ve kind of had mixed emotions – people have been pretty shocked and upset but everyone in the community has pulled together and we have lots of support,” Murphy said.
The unaffected offices in the front of the community centre are currently still open for the staff, while the restoration company is working on the other half of the building.
For more information on upcoming events or locations for current programming, go to braggcreekca.com or call 403-949-4277.
