Incoming first-year students are raising questions about the maintenance of Carleton’s campus after a photo was posted on Facebook that showed the Canal Building in disrepair.
Holly Wood, an incoming first-year law student, was walking around campus with her family when she saw a portion of Canal Building lifting up with the wind.
Canal Building is home to study rooms and small lecture halls, located near the canal and the University Centre.
Wood later posted a photo of the damaged roof with the caption, “Our school is falling apart and we have yet to move in . . .” in the fall orientation Facebook group for the incoming class of 2019, where it quickly garnered attention.
“The second I witnessed the lifting of the roof I saw a crowd of what I assume were upper-years race out,” Wood said. “They appeared to be taking pictures as well.”
Darryl Boyce, Carleton’s assistant vice-president (facilities management and planning) confirmed Wood’s story. Boyce said “a gust of wind caused [the] damage a few days ago—the flashing has been reset.”
Wood said the situation surprised her, but that she wasn’t too worried.
“At first I found it rather funny as I have never seen a building’s roof be so easily manipulated by the wind, but as a lover of Carleton, I was sure that all would be well and maintenance would be contacted right away,” Wood said.
Boyce said weather damage is common and isn’t something students should be concerned about.
“Weather damage is a fairly common occurrence, and the damage is quickly dealt with,” he said.
Carleton will be seeing a series of upgrades to some of campuses older buildings beginning soon, Boyce said, and added hopefully the upgrades will minimize such problems in future.
“The Carleton Board recently approved an investment of $14 million per year for the next 10 years to deal with the renewal of our older buildings and we are starting the multiyear program this year to improve the condition of our buildings,” Boyce said.
Wood said the incident has not affected whether she feels safe on campus.
“Every school has flaws, but this was by far the biggest flaw I have found at Carleton, and it appears to be temporary in nature,” Wood said. “I am sure the issue was resolved and I look forward to visiting the Canal Building in the future.”
“I am confident that maintenance has not only resolved the issue, but has also ensured that it will not happen again.”
