Fitness buffs may need to get their workouts in elsewhere for a while longer.
The Town of Innisfil announced Friday that the Innisfil Recreational Complex will be closed “for minimally another week while restoration efforts are underway,” following a fire that broke out on the building’s roof Monday afternoon.
“We recognize this is difficult and inconvenient for people who use the facility,” town operations director Nicole Bowman said. “However, this extended closure is the best decision to ensure we can continue to work on the necessary repairs.”
Damage is still being assessed and remediation efforts continue, meaning the town does not have a total incident cost nor a timeline for reopening at this point.
No cause has been identified yet, though areas under the roof in the northwest corner of the building, specifically some electrical and mechanical rooms, as well as some change rooms and hallways, were affected by the fire and the water used to extinguish it.
A municipal official has confirmed to InnisfilToday that Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal was initially called in to probe the incident. However, it has since backed out of the investigation and handed the scene over to the town.
On May 12 at about 1:30 p.m., emergency crews including Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services personnel and South Simcoe police responded to the incident.
As a precaution, the building was safely evacuated before fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported.
InnisfilToday was initially told by the town that the fire occurred in an air-conditioning unit. However, deputy fire chief Carla MacDonald said Tuesday that “despite reports, it was not air conditioning units on fire at the YMCA. That building does not have rooftop AC units.”
The town’s sport and recreation team has been able to provide recommendations for alternative locations in Innisfil and other municipalities to user groups and permit holders. Refunds will be issued from the town for any ice rentals or programs that can’t be rescheduled.
Innisfil is also working closely with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka on messaging for their patrons, the town says.
The Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre and the other buildings in the area are unaffected.
Built in 2008, the rec complex includes two rinks that are run by the municipality, and an aquatic centre, gym, conditioning floor, running track and yoga studios operated by the YMCA.