Unexpected water damage closes doors of Gargoyle Theatre in Winnipeg

A Winnipeg theatre that wasfinallyable to open its doors for the first time last month must close them once again after an ice dam caused water to leak through the roof, damaging the stage.

Andrew Davidson, the owner of the Gargoyle Theatre on Ellice Avenue near Sherbrook Street, first noticed the water coming through the ceiling directly above the stage.

"That was a terrible and sickening thing to see," Davidson toldMarcy Markusaon CBC Manitoba's Information Radio.

The local theatre was set to open its doors in 2020 when the pandemic hit. It finally opened inFebruary of 2022with its first show.

Davidson said that putting a summer showthat was supposed to be announced this week on hold upsethim, as the theatre company behind the show has worked hard to bring it to life.

"They are very far in the process andI'm sure they'll find another venue,"Davidson said.

He also said the Gargoyle would be happy to have the theatre companyback.

Davidson had originally planned for the theatre to be used as avenue for theWinnipeg Fringe Festival, coming up in July.

"Now I can't guarantee if it'll be ready," he said.

Contractorsbusier than ever

The Gargoyle Theatre is one of many places across the city requiring repairs after Manitoba saw unusually highsnowfall amountsthiswinter.

One Winnipeg contractorsaid the volume of calls has been high this year.

"We normally get about 70-80 calls per week, and now it's almost our daily average," said Andrew Feeney, vice-president of Priority Restoration.

It sometimes takes two or three days for the contracting company to conduct an inspection if it's just water damage with no harm or safety issues, Feeneysaid. The company is tryingto prioritize jobs depending on the extent of damage.

LISTEN | A local theatre has had to close its doors for now, due to some unexpected water damage:

Feeney also said if a building does have a leak,people should immediately try to contain the damage by putting towels orbuckets where the water is dripping.

"Move any wooden furniture off the ground and if the damage is severe, I recommend calling the insurance company right away," he said.

To avoid extensive damage, it'simportant to keep eaves clear of ice and snow before the melt,keepwindow wells clean of debris and things that may block them, and make sure water hose pumps are not frozen,Feeney said.