Reports show concrete on Saddledome roof is crumbling

Part of the roof of Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome is falling apart. Literally.

Documents obtained by CBC News through Alberta's Freedom of Information legislation show that pieces of concrete have fallen loose from the roof's ring beam while other crumbling pieces have been removed to prevent them from falling.

Engineering firm Entuitive recommended that there be inspections each spring and fall to monitor any deteriorating conditions of the concrete which have been caused by annual freeze-thaw cycles.

In April 2021, the firm sent a letter to the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC)  — which operates the publicly owned building — advising that sections of loose concrete were removed.

But it also stated that "the condition of the concrete around the ring beam is worsening at an accelerated rate."

Earlier this year, netting was installed around the ring beam to catch any pieces of concrete that "appeared to be imminently ready to fall."

Pictures in a 2018 report show what happens when concrete breaks free and falls from the roof beam.

Chunks of concrete fell onto a roof structure below which is over the Saddledome's west steps. The heavy material punched a jagged hole in the structure. 

The engineering reports note the problems with the concrete on the ring beam are of a superficial nature and do not present a structural concern for the roof itself.

The City of Calgary refused requests for an interview on the subject.

However, a senior official who is familiar with the reports and the Saddledome told CBC News that there are no concerns about the stability of the roof or for public safety.

The official said a full remediation plan to stabilize the concrete is expected in coming months and a plan to fix the