New tears found in B.C. Place roof

The accumulation of rainwater andcontinuing harsh weather have caused further damage toB.C. PlaceStadium, says management.

After a large section of the roof was tornduring a sleet storm Friday, workers have found other less serious rips.

"We believe they can be fixed right now," general manager Howard Crosley said. "But we need to have another assessment, and if there's another pieceneeded, we'll get another one in."

A panel of fabric to repair theroof was expected to arrive sometime this week, but there has been no word yet on when the work will be done.

Representatives for the roof's manufacturer were to fly in Sunday, and an overall damage assessment was expected by Monday.

Vancouver firefighters have joinedworkers on top of the building to help clear water that's been pooling on the deflated roof.

"There are holes in the roof that have plugs in them, and the plugs have to be removed to let the water out," Crosleytold CBC News.

Inside the stadium the cleanup has gone well, he said.

"There's no water in the building. There are sandbags all around the critical areas within the building. We've got all of the electrical vaults sandbagged, so there's no risk of danger there."

The inflated white roof ripped during a storm that brought wind and heavy, wet snow toVancouveron Friday. The roof was deflated to avoid further damage.