'We are a resilient town,' says Port aux Basques mayor after windstorm
Assessments are underway to determine the level of damage at the Bruce II Sports Centre in Port aux Basques, after a windstorm ripped off part of the building's roof on Monday.
Mayor Mark Andrews said it's a devastating turn of events, but one he's confident the town can pull through.
The building is a central part of not just Port aux Basques, he said, but the entire region.
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“It’s a pillar of our community," he told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning.
"It’s where people gather. It’s where people gather for hockey, for curling, for swimming, for bowling, for exercise. It’s an all-in-one building. It’s a great facility. It’s just a massive blow to our residents.”
A new roof membrane was installed just last year, costing the town about $1 million.
The Bruce II is named after the original Bruce Arena, which was destroyed by a fire in 1995.
Andrews — who was stranded in North Sydney, N.S., by the storm — said other town officials had a chance to walk through the Bruce II when the wind died down.
He said there didn't appear to be damage to the swimming pool or the bowling alley, but the entire building will stay closed while assessments are underway. The insurance company is expected to be on site throughout Tuesday, Andrews said.
Hardy's Arterial Road remains open, but the town is asking people to avoid the arena itself.
Wind gusts hit 125 km/h in Port aux Basques on Monday.
The town is no stranger to strong systems and natural disasters, having taken heavy damage during Hurricane Fiona in September of 2022. Dozens of homes were destroyed, causing more than $7 million in damages and claiming the life of a 73-year-old woman.
Andrews said Monday's wind brought back memories of Fiona — wounds that are still fresh.
“We are a resilient town. We are a strong town and we will get through this together.”
Thumbnail courtesy of Kathy Savoury via CBC.
The story was originally published for CBC News. With files from Newfoundland Morning