It’s only 20 years old, but an arena in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, may have to be torn down and replaced if a slew of problems can’t be fixed.

A structural review has been ordered for the Bayplex in Glace Bay to figure out how much it will cost to fix its leaking roof and other troubles including possible mould.

“Cosmetically, it was a beautiful facility,” says Bayplex General Manager Clarence Routledge. “But in reality, it wasn’t well built.”

The structural engineering review was ordered by the municipality after complaints about what many say looks like a mould-like substance on the rink’s ceiling. However, a test formouldlast year turned up negative.

There are other structural concerns in the arena, including a roof that often leaks into the main lobby.

“What is it going to cost to renovate and retrofit the current Bayplex facility? Which is estimated, potentially, to be millions of dollars,” says CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke. “If that’s the case, if we can’t get 15 to 20 years of life out of it, do we have to look at replacing the Bayplex itself?”

The arena opened in 1996, roughly 20 years ago. It originally opened to replace the iconic Glace Bay Miner’s Forum. At the time, it was expected to serve the community for generations.

“The rumors were that maybe the Bayplex wasn’t opening,” says CBRM Councilor George MacDonald. “I want to make sure they are aware that the Bayplex is opening as scheduled, and that we are going to make sure there are no safety concerns until this study is done.”

With a municipal election coming in the fall, some are questioning the timing of the arena’s possible replacement; others simply feel the review should have been done earlier.

“The roof has been leaking for 18 years in different spots,” says Routledge. “It’s not something that just happened last year, or the year before.”

The cost of a new arena is estimated at $12 to $16-million, with repairs running as high as $6-million – all potentially cost-shared with provincial and federal governments.

However, regardless of what happens, the mayor made a promise on Wednesday.

“There’s always going to be an arena in Glace Bay,” says Clarke.

The engineering review of the Bayplex is being put out to tender, with the goal for work to begin in the fall.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald