Forest Interpretive Centre to undergo restoration work following water leak, will remain closed until further notice

 

 

On Tuesday, March 20 the Forest Interpretive Centre featured a new, and very unwelcomed guest: a bubbly waterfall. Director of Community Services Chelsea Grande said the water was running down the middle of the building. “The water supply line from the town main that runs underneath the building sprang a leak which came up through the expansion joint that runs down the middle of the building and up through the floor.”

One only needs to imagine the ensuing chaos as water made its way everywhere, reaching from one end of the building to the other. Affected areas include the museum, main lobby, office area, and the mechanical room downstairs. Chelsea said flooring throughout the bathroom, hallways, lobby, museum, and some walls will need to be replaced.

The town’s insurance company put the repairs out for tender on April 3 and the deadline to apply is April 10. “The company had some select vendors chosen, and once we receive those tenders back we will review those with the insurance company,” explained Chelsea.

As for a timeline, she said they will know more once they hear back on the tenders. “They will all have construction schedules in them which will give us an idea of when the repairs will be taking place for each of the sections, when the repairs will be finished, and when we can have access to certain parts again.”

The Forest Interpretive Centre serves several purposes for the community both inside and outside. With trained Visitor Information Councillors on staff, the centre is a great resource for both residents looking for a new adventure, and travellers to the area. There is always a great selection of maps (local, regional, and provincial), and tourist information on hand.

Outside there are walking trails, a garden featuring heritage plants from the area, and heritage buildings. “There is also a museum for people to learn about the history of Whitecourt.” Many of the artifacts in the outbuildings and the museum were restored right on site. “The Heritage Society has an area in the bottom of the building where members work on restoring artifacts. Most people haven’t seen that area because it isn’t open to the public. So, that’s a little neat fact,” smiled Chelsea.

The hope is to be fully open by the end of May just in time for seasonal travellers who regularly use the centre as a rest stop. Community members who are looking for a space to rent for their future events can call the town for more information. “The building has numerous spaces that can be rented and used by the community for various functions. There is a large auditorium with theatre-style seating in it, a boardroom, and other rooms, as well.”

To see the damage, check out the video on the Whitecourt Press Facebook page.