Roof collapses on Sault Ste. Marie curling rink

Ice technician John Piaskoski explains the roof collapse on the Tarentorus Sports Club curling Rink in Sault Ste. Marie. (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

No injuries have been reported after the roof of a northern Ontario curling rink collapsed Wednesday.

John Piaskoski is the ice technician at the Tarentorus Sports Club on Avery Road in Sault Ste. Marie.

Piaskoski was in a back room when the roof collapsed over the ice of the curling rink around 12:30 p.m., he told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an interview.

Between 40 and 50 people had been curling on the ice the previous night, he said.

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The roof was not in bad condition, he added, and had been serviced last summer.

Several people at the scene said they believe rain is part of the cause.

Sault firefighters were on scene Wednesday afternoon.

The video above shows Piaskoski describing the incident.

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Rainfall warning in effect

A rainfall warning is in effect for Sault Ste. Marie.

Because the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall, there are flooding concerns in low-lying areas as rain mixes with melting snow.

Total rainfall amounts between 20 and 35 mm are expected by Wednesday night.

“Rapidly falling temperatures and a transition to snow is expected tonight into Thursday morning,” Environment Canada said in a weather alert.

“Ice pellets and freezing rain may occur during the transition. Snow and local blowing snow may result in hazardous travel Thursday morning.”

Residents are urged to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts and to keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks.

Winter weather travel advisory

Meanwhile, there is also a winter weather travel advisory in effect for the Sault and St. Joseph Island until Thursday morning.

“Icy and slippery conditions beginning this evening as temperatures fall below the freezing mark,” Environment Canada said.

“Snowfall amounts near five cm. Reduced visibility due to snow and local blowing snow.”

Roads are expected to become hazardous as rain turns to snow Wednesday night.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions,” the weather alert said.

“Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance.”

Winter storm warning

North of the city, a forecast of freezing rain and snow have prompted a winter storm warning.

“Total snowfall amounts near 15 cm north of a line from Batchawana Bay to New Liskeard,” Environment Canada said.

“Freezing rain with 2-4 mm of ice accretion possible.”