Updated Sept 28, 2024
Q: Why are parts of the Willow Ridge Community Association (WRCA) building closed?
A: On Sept. 4, a City of Calgary building inspection found some parts of the Willow Ridge Community Association did not meet the building code and needed to be closed immediately for safety reasons. The WRCA immediately complied with the inspection report and closed the affected areas.
Q: Why are parts of the upper level of the building still open?
A: The affected areas are limited to the original building structure built in 1970, which include the main entrance, office, kitchen area, front hallway, washrooms, and Maple Hall. The Willow Hall, Herard Room, Elevator, Stairwell, and Ridge Lounge were expansions completed in 2003 and 2019. They were built to code and can remain open.
Q: Why is the lower level of the building still open?
A: City of Calgary building inspection found that the lower level of the building is safe for people to continue using. The lower level includes: the stairwell, elevator, Rink Room, Preschool Area, church office, mechanical room, storage rooms, and daycare.
Q: When will the parts of the building that are currently closed be able to open?
A: A plan to bring the remaining areas up to code is now in place. The design phase is expected to take 6-8 months and will include a full investigation and report from Structural Engineers at Stantec, design, request for proposals, and obtaining the necessary building permits. The extended design phase will allow the current programs, preschool, and before & after childcare to run until the end of the school year without further interruption.
Q: How long will construction take?
A: Construction is expected to begin in July 2025 and take approximately two months. Areas of the building that already meet the building code will remain open until construction begins.
Q: Is an interim solution being considered that would allow the areas currently closed to reopen?
A: Yes, we are looking into temporary shoring options in the lower mechanical room, storage rooms, and washrooms, to potentially allow us to reopen the upstairs washrooms. We do not know if this is a possibility, but we are looking into it.
Q: The building was renovated recently. How did this happen?
A: While the building was renovated in 2019, the areas that have been closed were not part of the renovation scope. The renovation was focused on making additions to the building, such as the Willow Room. As is common with renovations, areas of the building that were not part of the renovation were not included in the building review in 2019.
Q: Who will cover the costs to repair the building?
A: The design phase will be paid for by the City of Calgary Engineering Consulting Program (ECP), which is a grant available to all Community Associations. The construction costs will be shared between the City of Calgary Lifecycle Capital Grant (LCG) and the Willow Ridge Community Association.
Q: Will the WRCA office be moving?
A: Yes, we have a temporary office trailer located at the back of the building. We are still busy setting it up, so it is not open for visitors yet.
Q: Is the WRCA accepting new bookings for areas of the building that remain open?
A: We are accepting new bookings, space permitting, for the Herard Room & Willow Hall. It is important for renters to understand which areas are closed and how that will affect your rental, so a site visit is mandatory before your event.
Q: Will renters in the lower level have to move to another facility during construction?
A: During construction, the entire building will be closed, with the exception of the Willow Ridge Kids Club Daycare, which can safely remain open. During this time, our renters will be required to find an alternate location to run their programs.
Q: I am a renter on the main floor. Will the WRCA reimburse me for rent I have already paid for and am now unable to use?
A: We are working hard to reschedule or find alternate locations for your booking. If your program or event is cancelled, you will be notified, and a full refund will be processed within 10 business days.
