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Former Wellington arena (Duke Dome) demolished

UPDATE JUNE 15: And, it’s gone.

UPDATE JUNE 12: Demolition of the former Wellington arena continues.

JUNE 7 UPDATE: The site of the former Wellington arena looked much different Wednesday afternoon as demolition is proceeding quickly now, with more rumble remaining than building standing.

– Sharon Harrison photos –

The former ice surface area

Demolition resumes at former Wellington arena

JUNE 5 UPDATE: Following inspections and clearances from the provincial government, demolition of the former Wellington arena (Duke Dome) re-started Monday, June 5.

Green mesh fencing double thickness has been put in place. Demolition continues on the west end portion and now there is also a massive covering over the open end to prevent dust, and a water cannon was operating.

– Sharon Harrison photos –

 

Demolition to resume at former Wellington arena

MAY 26 UPDATE: The Ministry of Labour has lifted the work stoppage order it issued on the demolition of the former Wellington arena and demolition is expected to resume Tuesday, May 30.

– Sharon Harrison photo

Demolition began March 20 and was paused May 8 after some vermiculite asbestos used for insulation in the concrete blocks was found in the west wall. This asbestos material was not found during earlier abatement work in April. Demolition ceased while removal of the asbestos was conducted by a company certified to perform the removal.

The municipality reports that during the pause, a provincial government inspector attended the site and determined there was no risk to the community, environment, or workers. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health also found no risk to the community.

– Sharon Harrison photo

Further asbestos levels monitoring is to continue for the duration of the demolition by a third-party company. The municipality states the demolition contractor will be adding additional screening on the perimeter fence for the duration of the demolition in excess of provincial government guidelines.

The Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation (PECAHC) accepted transfer of the property from the municipality in August 2021. PECHAC is constructing a new 36-unit affordable housing development comprised of one, two, and three-bedroom units and four three-bedroom affordable family townhomes.

The anticipated completion date of June 9 for the demolition is now June 15.  Construction was to originally begin late July/early August but is now expected to be in September.

– Sharon Harrison photo

Demolition delayed due to asbestos inside former Wellington arena

MARCH 31 UPDATE: Demolition of the former Wellington Arena stopped soon after it started Monday, March 20 due to the discovery of asbestos in the walls. Demolition is now scheduled to be complete June 9, instead of the planned April 17, three weeks ahead of schedule.

The municipality, in a media release, stated that while multiple inspection reports provided no evidence of the presence of asbestos-containing materials, the demolition contractors stopped work when they identified asbestos materials within the cement blocks used to construct the interior walls.

“Samples were taken for testing and were confirmed to have small levels of asbestos. An assessment was completed, and abatement plans were put in place identifying the removal as a Type II Operation under provincial legislation.

“To ensure the safety of the community, the demolition contractor will exceed the requirements by using the more stringent protocols of a Type III operation for the abatement work. Sealing the building and work area for worker safety and waste removal will further minimize any community risk. A third-party consultant will provide regular inspections of the abatement as it is being completed.”

Beginning Monday, April 3, Budget Environmental Disposal Inc. will begin removing the asbestos-containing material from the interior of the building only. Abatement work is expected to continue for 5-6 weeks after which the demolition of the building will resume.

Demolition is expected to be complete by Friday, June 9.

The Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation (PECAHC), accepted transfer of the property from the municipality in August 2021. PECHAC is constructing a new 36-unit affordable housing development comprised of one, two, and three-bedroom units and four three-bedroom affordable family townhomes.

Former Duke Dome demolition continues from the final look inside

MARCH 27 UPDATE: Demolition continues. Two photos from the past week’s work: (Sharon Harrison photos)

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
A piece of Wellington’s history is slowly being erased as the demolition of the former Wellington Arena, also known as the old ‘Duke Dome’ began late Monday afternoon.

It is the dawn of a new affordable housing development and despite a biting wind, the sun was shining on the first day of spring, and after being deferred to this week from last Friday, the demolition got underway.

The work at 230 Niles St., Wellington is being undertaken by Hamilton-based Budget Environmental Disposal, the successful bidder out of nine companies. The tender submissions ranged from Budget’s at $174,250 to $778,000 (both plus HST) from a Belleville company.

Owner of the site, the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation, (PECAHC), has its eyes on beginning construction of a 36-unit affordable housing development geared toward the local community. If all goes to plan, occupancy is expected in fall 2024.

While demolition completion was expected by May 7, PECAHC indicated the demolition company said it may be completed earlier than planned, by April 17, three weeks ahead of schedule. The housing corporation plans to install a camera to provide a live feed of the demolition.

The first Wellington arena was built in 1931 and rebuilt extensively by the community after a fire in 1973.

It was home to the Wellington Dukes Ontario Junior Hockey League, the ‘Duke Dome’ but in 2007, a facility review identified numerous deficiencies with the old arena and as a result, council initiated the process for replacement. The current Wellington and District Community Centre opened on Belleville Street in 2010.

 

Though very dark, and a bit creepy, the arena inside appeared as if it was suddenly just abandoned.

Click here for more details of the former Wellington arena development plans.

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