Written By Jan Sims
COLDSTREAM - Middlesex Centre is on the move. Effective April 1st, front desk services are returning to the newly-renovated municipal offices in Coldstream. That means as of March 31st, in-person bill payments will no longer be accepted at the Komoka Wellness Centre.
The Wellness Centre has been an off-site hub for municipal staff, while extensive renovations have been carried out over the past year and a half at the Coldstream offices. Staff will be moving back to their permanent offices in stages, as the work is completed over the next few months. “As part of the renovations, the Coldstream Community Centre is being refreshed with new windows, washrooms, doors, flooring, and paint. Much of this work is complete or nearing completion, but some will be finished later in the spring,” says Communications Manager Heather Kepran.
A report to council at a future meeting will update the cost of the project. The budget was initially set at $5.2 million. As for the construction timeline, Kepran says staff have been managing supply issues throughout the renovations. “Some were anticipated from the start of the project, as we were still experiencing COVID supply chain issues. For example, HVAC components were ordered significantly in advance to ensure they would be available when required during the construction,” says Kepran.
Although front-desk services are returning on April 1st, a FAQ page on the municipal website advises residents to call or email ahead for an appointment to speak to staff in-person for questions about planning, roads, buildings and marriage licenses and other issues.
“Staff are excited to be moving back to the municipal office,” says Kepran. An open house is planned for later this spring for people to get a look at the Coldstream offices. “Residents will be pleased with the bright, open, and accessible renovated space at the office and the Coldstream Community Centre,” says Kepran.
