Performing arts centre under repair due to unusual culprit

Aug 9, 2019 | 5:26 PM

If you have driven by the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre recently, you may have witnessed a tarp swung around the roof of the building and construction taking place.

But you may be surprised to learn that the work is being done to repair damage caused by an unusual culprit: birds.

The Regional District of North Okanagan confirms the work is being done following damage from Northern Flicker birds, a breed of woodpecker.

The district budgeted $150,000 to repair the damage to the exterior insulation and original stucco surface in 2018.

“Over the years, the RDNO explored a number of innovative and environmental design solutions, including a sound machine that broadcast predatory bird calls; a scent additive for paint that claimed to repel birds; and the placement of ribbons and plastic owls commonly used to scare off the unwanted birds. These less expensive options did not work and the building has suffered numerous large nesting holes, insulation pulled from behind the stucco, and many smaller punctures the birds used to trap insects,” a news release from the RDNO said.

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The district put out a call for help and through an RFP process, selected OKC Coatings to preform the work.

A spray-on coating will be added to the paint to protect against bird damage and nesting.

The spray is ecofriendly, according to the regional district, and dries within seconds.

“The product provides the additional benefit of a refreshed coat of paint that has been given a very long warranty period against fading,” said Nelson. “In effect, we have accomplished two major facility repair and maintenance projects at the same time, which saves costs,” said Tannis Nelson, Manager of Community Services.

The work will be completed in time for the 2019-2020 Spotlight Season as well as other scheduled public performances in September.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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