MATHESON – A waterline break under the Vern Miller Arena has led the township to turn off water to the building.
Officials are now working to assess the extent of the damage and determine how to fix it for good.
At its May 26 meeting, Black River-Matheson council approved emergency repairs after staff found a lot of water pooling and wet ground near the arena. A staff report says the leak likely comes from a broken two-inch copper waterline under the building’s slab and foundation.
“We thought the spring runoff at the Vern Miller Arena was lasting longer than usual,” said Gilles Giguère, the township’s director of public services and CAO.
“Needless to say, we now have a pool over at the arena.”
Following an inspection, the Ontario Clean Water Agency determined the leak was likely coming from under the foundation. Staff say there are concerns about potential washout under the slab and footings, the structural integrity of parts of the building addition and stairwell, and wet soil around utility lines.
As a precaution, water service to the arena has been shut off.
The shutdown means washrooms, showers and other water services at the facility are currently unavailable.
A water cooler is available for gym users. Township employees who usually work at the arena have been moved to the municipal office for washrooms, lunch breaks, and handwashing.
Giguère said that no work will happen inside the recreational part of the arena until temporary fixes are set up and water service is back.
Mayor Dave Dyment said this problem has happened before.
“This happened a few years ago, and we used a Band-Aid solution to keep the arena running. Now it’s come back to bite us,” Dyment said. “It’s sad that we have to do this, but the arena is important to our community.”
The township’s report says repairs could include:
- Excavation around the arena foundation
- Interior floor cutting inside the utility room
- Temporary structural supports while excavation takes place
- Replacement or rerouting of the damaged waterline
- Possible relocation of nearby gas infrastructure
- Stabilization of the foundation and slab
- Restoration of disturbed building components and surrounding grounds
Staff say more stabilization work might be needed if crews find major washout under the foundation.
“Digging under any foundation is never a good thing,” Giguère said.
He also pointed out that the arena’s main gas line is close to the area with the problem.
While council authorized emergency repairs, staff do not yet know the project’s cost.
“If the engineering department says this is what you’ve got to do to fix it, then that’s what we’re looking to be able to do,” Giguère said.
He added that township staff will report back to council after engineers look at the site and give repair options and cost estimates.
“I do not have a timeline at this point. We are going to try to get it done as quickly as we can,” Giguère said.
Despite the waterline failure, staff currently expect the arena to open on schedule once repairs are completed.
“We just needed this step here tonight so that we can engage properly with the engineering firm,” Giguère said.
By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative
Original Published on May 29, 2026 at 18:14
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