Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Work is progressing on major renovations to the Middlesex Centre municipal building in Coldstream.
The project involves adding 8,000 square feet to the existing building and dividing the structure into two primary areas; one for council and public-related activities and the other to serve as an administrative facility.
The project was budgeted at $5.2 million. To date it’s “slightly over” budget according to Community Services Director, Scott Mairs. However, Mairs says there are allowances built into the project that have not been used.
The municipality has also looked at other ways to save money. “Furniture, for example. What was originally proposed, we’ve whittled that down significantly and we saved a good 100-thousand in that alone,” says Chief Administrative Officers Michael Di Lullo.
Work is progressing on schedule, but it hasn’t been without some challenges. “The biggest challenge, being an old building that had already been renovated about three times, as we unearthed things and ‘peeled back the onion’ we were finding things.” That included the need for soil remediation, because once shovels were in the ground it was found there was inconsistencies in soil quality.
From a public standpoint, one of the major differences people can expect is a new and much larger council chambers that will be adjacent to the community centre. “It will be a fixed council chambers that will accommodate 60 people for council meetings,” says Mairs. The council chambers will be fully fitted with technology and could also serve as a meeting place for groups like business associations.
New features to the building include a universal washroom and replacing the aging HVAC system. There are also considerations for the years ahead. “It allows for future sustainability options, whether we look at additional solar panels or things down the road that the building can support,” says Mairs.
The renovations were decided upon to help support a growing municipality. “We don’t want to build something and find out five years later that we’re deficient. We’ve built for the long-term future,” says Mairs.
Currently municipal staff are working off-site at several locations including the Komoka Wellness Centre. It’s expected staff will begin moving into the new building beginning in January of 2025.
Middlesex Centre residents can also expect events to mark the official opening, such as an open house. “We’re definitely going to do something to celebrate this,” says Di Lullo.
