Delay in glass wall delivery sends Twin Pad project behind schedule

Hockey players and skaters shouldn't be tying their laces just yet as the Twin Pad Complex on Rest Acres Road still has to be complete and ready for use. Unfortunately, an issue with the glass supplier has delayed the construction that was once at a steady pace and put back the opening date originally set for mid December.

The glass that construction crew and installers are waiting on is the curtain wall glass that separates the arena portion from the lobby. Only a few weeks ago, Twin Pad committee members were notified that delivery of the glass after order would be delayed from a regular two-week shipment to four to six weeks.

"All of a sudden glass has become in high demand and the manufacturers aren't able to keep up," says Internal Project Manager Clare Wamsteeker.

"It is what it is. Without having the glass, it puts everything else behind because it all fits together."

While the installment of the glass walls has an effect on the progress of the rest of construction, it's mainly touching the lobby section of the arena since the ceilings and flooring can't be installed. But on the other hand, the rink side is still making progress. The dasher boards are being installed on the pads as well as the glass surrounding the rink. The dressing rooms have been painted and ceramic tiles are beginning to coat the showers throughout. But again, no ice will see rink flooring until the curtain wall glass has been up, separating the heated area from the cool.

"So the project is moving forward but unfortunately now, because of the glass delivery we are running into some issues. A lot of everything is contingent on the glass arriving," adds Wamsteeker.

From the outside, things are still moving along. All the concrete curbing surrounding the parking lot has been put in, and the concrete sidewalks aren't far behind. The parking lots will soon be complete, eliminating most of the crew's parked cars on Powerline Road as they'll be able to park in the lot. Landscapers will be making some cosmetic touches to the property and have started moving the topsoil.

The Twin Pad Committee will be reconvening on Nov. 15, with hopefully something further to tell the public about a tentative date to open. The committee hopes to deliver news at the Brant County Council meeting on Nov. 16.

"We're hoping that we'll have a better idea of where we're going to be."

And the hundred plus construction workers and tradesman on site have certainly been trucking away at work. From electricians to plumbers, there are plenty of people at work trying to bring this project to a close.

"It's been a very interesting job and it's going to be an amazing looking facility. Not quite Syl Apps," concludes Wamsteeker.