Council approves replacement of aging Sunderland sand dome

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: An aging and structurally compromised sand storage facility, in Sunderland, will soon be replaced, after council approved the purchase of a new fabric-covered dome with a temporary foundation, at its meeting, on Monday, December 8th.

Council’s decision followed the presentation of a report, from, Interim Director of Public Works, Ben Kester, which detailed significant deterioration in the existing wooden sand dome, including extensive rot and active leaks. In some areas, daylight was visible through the structure, prompting immediate concerns about safety and reliability.

“The condition of the dome has reached a point where it can no longer be safely used,” Mr. Kester said in his report. “An engineer advised, the structure should not be utilized during the winter season, due to concerns about its ability to withstand wind and snow loads.”

The Sunderland sand dome is a critical component of the Township of Brock’s winter control operations, storing the sand and salt mixture, used to maintain local roadways, during snow and ice events. With winter service delivery at risk, staff outlined three options for council’s consideration.

The first option involved repairing the existing dome, at an estimated cost of $230,000 plus HST. The report cautioned, repair materials are proprietary and additional rot could be discovered during construction, potentially increasing costs.

A second option proposed replacing the structure with a new permanent wooden dome, at an estimated cost of $275,000 plus HST. Staff did not support this option, citing the higher cost and the permanent nature of the structure.

Staff ultimately recommended constructing a new fabric-covered dome, with a temporary foundation, next to the existing facility, at an estimated cost of $195,000 plus HST. Municipalities across Ontario are increasingly turning to fabric domes, as a modern alternative, as their expected life cycle is equal to or better than traditional wooden structures, while being more cost-effective.

“This option provides the best balance between cost, durability, and flexibility,” Mr. Kester noted. “It uses modern materials and technology and meets the Township’s operational needs, at a lower cost.”

The fabric dome will be procured through the Local Authority Services (LAS) Canoe Procurement Group. While the cost estimate does not include demolition of the existing dome or the installation of a permanent concrete or asphalt floor, staff advised the temporary foundation is appropriate, for a structure with an anticipated lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Funding for the project will come from existing public works capital reserves. Three capital projects, completed under budget in 2025: Bridge 323, the Centennial Parking Lot, and a streetlighting project, have left approximately $275,500 available to fund the replacement. Township staff also confirmed provincial funding programs, including OCIF and CCBF, cannot be used for sand and salt storage facilities.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the decision ensures public works crews will continue to have the infrastructure needed, to deliver reliable winter road maintenance.

“Protecting our ability to respond to winter conditions is essential,” Mayor Jubb said. “This approach allows us to address a serious safety issue, while making responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”

As part of the final resolution, council also directed staff to bring forward a report, outlining a formal inspection process for public works facilities, to help identify structural issues earlier, in the future.