ESTEVAN — The No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Air Cadets Squadron has been able to complete some work on its roof, but there is more work that will have to be done in the future.
The cadets had encountered problems with a leaky roof, so they had it sealed. The repairs, which cost more than $50,000, are expected to last 12 years, according to Christina Farquhar, who is in charge of the cadets' sponsoring committee.
Farquhar said every time it rained, or when the snow melted, the roof would leak, leading to puddles on the floor in the main hall. It was a problem for not only the cadets during their weekly sessions, but when events took place in the hall.
"The floor would have to be dried up," said Farquhar.
The cadets have not encountered any issues with the roof since the sealant work was completed.
Farquhar noted the work depleted all of their funds in the hall account, so they have no extra money for other repairs that are needed. They want to replenish their building fund, so they can complete needed maintenance projects.
Farquhar said they had an estimate completed on a roof replacement that came in at $500,000 in today's dollars.
"Are we going to be able to replace it in a dozen years? Probably not, but we need to do something that's going to last more than a dozen years," said Farquhar.
The work needed right now includes typical maintenance and upkeep, updated signs and more.
"To polish the floor in the hall, that's $10,000," said Farquhar, noting they would like to complete that task, but it's not in their budget.
The hall is in good shape right now, she said, and the air cadets aren't going anywhere.
The air cadets held a Mother's Day trade show at the hall on May 6, with numerous vendors offering products for people to choose from. The event raised more than $3,000 after expenses. In addition to the trade show booths, the cadets sold 50-50 tickets, and lunch and snacks were served to the public.
The cadets will have a Christmas fundraiser later this year.
"Last December – and it went over really well – we had a Santa Claus [visit], so we had pictures with Santa," said Farquhar. "We'll have that again. That was really popular. The cadets sold some treats, and there was a craft show like there was recently."
Farquhar said the hall is an important venue for the community. Since it is on exhibition grounds, the Estevan Exhibition Association uses it during the fair. It's also used for a number of different events throughout the year like weddings and fundraisers. During the Scotties-Tankard provincial curling championships earlier this year, it was the site of a concession, games and cabarets.
