Winnipeg’s Investors Group Field’s suites are flooding, which could be problematic for Bombers

The Winnipeg Sun has learned of significant flooding at Investors Group Field, caused by a lack of drainage to handle the spring melt.

A source who saw the problem first-hand but spoke only on the condition of anonymity said roughly one-third of the suites have been affected, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

“And then there will be the cost of the permanent fix,” the source said, describing a scene of collapsed ceilings, soaked carpets, even a bucket catching water in the middle of the visitors locker-room.

One problem, the source said, is water from melting snow falls down from the stadium’s roof into the seating area, where it flows back towards the suites, instead of away from them.

“There’s no drainage — it’s sitting at the doors and leaking through.”

The water has also spilled out of the suites and into adjoining hallways, the source said.

BBB Stadium Inc. confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that water has made its way into the suites and visitors locker room area.

“This has been an ongoing issue with the facility; the designer and building contractor are aware of the matter and are in the process of remediation, and identifying solutions to avoid future damage,” said chair Andrew Konowalchuk.

Konowalchuk said the issue won’t impact scheduled events at the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, such as the Canada vs. USA women’s soccer match on May 8.

Some pooling of water at Investors Group Field was visible when the stadium hosted its first CFL exhibition game, but drainage deficiencies were not among the design deficiencies cited by former BBB Stadium chairman Phil Sheegl when $3.5 million worth of unfinanced work was disclosed last September.

The disclosed design deficiencies included handrails that had to be replaced, plumbing that was not insulated and crawlspaces that required fireproofing. The stadium was also built without an enclosed press box, a deficiency the club plans to correct with the help of a $350,000 sponsorship.

In March, the province announced an additional $8.5 million in funding for the stadium, characterizing the work as upgrades to host the Grey Cup and host other cold-season events.

The province and the football club did not say whether this funding covers off the entire $3.5-million tab for design deficiencies, some of which contractor Stuart Olson Dominion Construction characterized as additional work.

Last year, the contractor and its subcontractors briefly stopped work at the stadium due to lack of payment for ongoing work.