Image

Death knell for the Courtright Silverdome

November 15, 2021

Alex Kurial/Local Journalism Initiative

Barring some sort of miracle the dilapidated Silverdome in Courtright is likely headed for demolition in the new year.

The hall has a laundry list of required fixes to even make it safe to use, including rust, mold, concrete cracking and water damage. An engineering report says it’s not even known whether all the repairs are possible, particularly given the corroding metal exterior which needs to be sandblasted.

The estimated cost of repairs according to St. Clair Township staff was quoted at $272,000 in March, but it’s already believed the current number is probably higher and would continue to rise.

A demolition would be far cheaper, staff said, at $37,100.

“We have not taken any of this lightly as this is a beloved building in the community,” says Kendall Lindsay, director of community services, in a report to council.

“We have shown this project to several contractors and now an engineering company that all believe it is a better option to demolish the existing facility and build new,” says Lindsay.

Council didn’t discuss any concrete plans for a new hall but did hear it could cost up to $3.75 million to replace.

This is up about $1 million from the previous quote. Staff attributed this increase to the “lumber boom.”

But the final nail wasn’t put in the hall’s coffin just yet. Deputy Mayor Steve Miller says he’d like to have a meeting with groups who used the hall, such as the Optimist Club, and see if there’s any final ideas or suggestions on repairs or alternatives to demolition.
Lindsay says he’ll set up the meeting soon. If feelings remain the same after, council will approve with dismantling of the 60 year-old hall.

The Local Journalism Initiative supports the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Thedford EMS changes years away

June 15, 2025

The Independent Thedford residents won’t be losing their ambulance station for some time. That from Lambton County officials. Last month, Lambton Shores councillors voiced concern about a county plan which would close the Thedford station and have Forest paramedics to cover their calls. Lambton EMS also plans to move the Grand Bend station near Pinery Park hoping to provide better

Read More

Image
Front Page

No ATV rally for Petrolia Ag Society

June 15, 2025

The Independent There will not be ATVs rumbling through Petrolia this summer. Kelly Humphrey of the Petrolia Enniskillen Agricultural Society came to council in mid-May asking if PEAS could host an ATV rally with Greenwood Park as a starting and finishing point and using Petrolia streets to get to the starting and finishing point.  Julie Bullock, director of parks and

Read More

Image
Front Page

Fair banner may not fly

June 14, 2025

The Independent The Moore Agricultural Society has some big plans for the 175th anniversary of the Brigden Fair. But not all of their plans may work out. The ag society has asked for and received several approvals from St. Clair Township council for special events at the landmark fair including allowing a low-level Canadian Armed Forces Flyby and helicopter landings

Read More

Image
Front Page

Remembering Newell Hastings

June 14, 2025

Heather Wright/The Independent Sunday, Newell Hasting’s service to King and Country over a century ago was remembered in a peaceful church cemetery near Watford. Hasting was born in Petrolia and his family moved to Watford around the turn of the century. He signed up to serve in the miltia with Watford’s 149th Battalion before being called up for service. He

Read More