Professional Roofing Services with Over 35 Years of Experience in Southwestern Ontario

Just imagine a charitable foundation that acquires a new facility in Cambridge Ontario to help those in the community with addiction problems. They plan a major renovation which includes adding a second floor to their new building. Of course, they are going to need a new roof, but their budget is tight, and they are looking for support. Sounds like a perfect candidate for Rooftop Rescue. And so, the OIRCA Foundation leaps into action. We find a local member willing to donate the labour and a member who is prepared to contribute the materials. The roof is a steep sloped shingle roof, but it is December, so winter is fast approaching. We decide to close the building in with an ice and water shield membrane with the intent of installing the shingles the following spring. Phase one of the roof gets completed meaning the inside trades can move into the building. Spring 2019 arrives and OIRCA Active Member Grand Valley Roofing & Coatings Inc of Cambridge is getting ready to start the application of the shingles on the House of Friendship’s new facility. It’s May 1, 2019, and word spreads quickly. At approximately 3:30 a.m. that morning, there is a fire at the construction site. It is serious. ​“This is difficult news to wake up to, particularly during a time when addiction treatment is desperately needed for so many individuals and families in the Waterloo region,” said House of Friendship Executive Director John Neufeld in a statement”. The damage is estimated at over $500,000.00. The project is stalled then word surfaces that a criminal investigation is underway. Ultimately it is determined that the fire was deliberately set. The planned July opening is now not possible. “We are already hearing from community partners, individuals and businesses who want to make contributions to the project in the aftermath of this fire, and we are eternally grateful for that barn-raising attitude that the Waterloo region is known for,” says Neufeld the day after the fire. “It’s what sets us apart from other communities. We are determined to get this done as soon as possible.” Fast forward to October and Grand Valley Roofing is back on site and the shingling is expected to be complete by the end of the month. OIRCA Associate Member IKO Industries Ltd. of Brampton, Ontario, graciously agreed to provide the underlayment membrane and the shingles. Rooftop Rescue provided the roofing accessories to complete the installation. “At the OIRCA our vision and mission isn’t so altruistic; we just build quality roofs. Through Rooftop Rescue though we can use those talents to protect those in need by putting a roof over their head. Which when you think about it is rather primary to the health of any community.” “And how fortunate that Grand Valley Roofing, a Cambridge-based company, stepped up to support this important project in their own community. Also, IKO Industries a philanthropic company in their own right, supporting the industry they benefit from is a testament to their core values”, commented Marks. While little news about the arson has been reported, the project is expected to be completed by the spring or early summer of 2020. The House of Friendship is looking forward to the day when they will be able to offer addiction treatment services for men and women throughout Waterloo Region at their new location. The House of Friendship has been providing Addiction Treatment in the Waterloo Region since 1975. They have served community members from the Region and across Ontario with a range of services by helping more than 42,000 individuals each year who need food, housing, community resources or addiction treatment. Their new facility in Cambridge will provide residential addiction and day treatment services. Don Marks, Executive Director of Rooftop Rescue remarked, “It is particularly rewarding to support an organization such as the House of Friendship. They have been servicing their community for 80 years, 44 years of that focusing on addiction treatment for adults.”