The Langley Seniors’ Resource Centre will be closed until at least Wednesday and must undergo extensive repair after a pipe burst over the weekend.
A maintenance person arrived Sunday evening to find the damage.
“There was water gushing out,†said Shannon Woykin, the centre’s development and marketing coordinator.
A restoration company was on site Monday morning to assess the damage and start the repair process. Fans were whirling to start drying out walls but the lower portions must be removed due to water damage.
The burst pipe was over the kitchen so the utilities had to be shut off.
The water was mostly contained to the kitchen, cafeteria seating area. There’s also some ceiling damage.
The hall is stacked high with food, chairs, dishes, utensils and more.
Executive director Shelley Wells said a key concern is all the food in the fridges and freezers because the power must be off while the building is assessed.
“Any way people can help is welcome,†she said. “Any ideas or support are appreciated.â€
Freezer and fridge space would be a huge help so thousands of dollars worth of food purchased for upcoming events and catering won’t have to be thrown away.
It’s a busy time of year at the centre which not only hosts events for members and the community but also caters events and rents out its hall.
Woykin said in the colder weather, more seniors like to head to the centre. There’s often a line waiting for the cafeteria to open.
Another impact will be the centre’s catering, an important revenue source for the non-profit society.
The centre will be closed until at least Wednesday and programs will be impacted after that.
Wells said the centre will strive to offer what it can over the holidays, even if it’s just a place for seniors to gather and sit for a warm drink and a snack in the lobby.
The adult day program is done in a building in downtown Langley City. The program will continue but the meals the centre provided will be obtained elsewhere temporarily.
Langley Meals on Wheels is based out of the centre which supplies it with sandwiches and will be able to continue is operations. Its meals are obtained from a Lower Mainland company.
The centre at 20605 51B Ave. can be reached at 604-530-3020. Find out more at its website, lsrs.ca. The centre offers a variety of programs and services including recreation, the adult day centre, outreach, meals, tours and trips, a secondhand store, entertainment, and more.
Watch the Langley Advance for information about what the community can do to help the centre.
The burst pipe is the latest trouble for the centre. No one has ever been charged in the April 2008 arson that caused several million dollars in damage and closed the centre for months.