Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – Ken Logtenberg of B. M. Ross and Associates presented a review of 36 municipal facilities at the October 21 council meeting. The study identified about $2.9 million in repairs and other work.
The team visited the facilities with municipal staff, inspected building components and took measurements and photos. Staff also pointed out problems they knew about. The estimated cost to replace the buildings was $77.7 million. The estimates were based on replacing what was there and did not include land values.
Logtenberg explained that a new fire hall would likely be built differently, with more features and to a higher standard than an older station.
Most facilities were rated good or fair. The ratings compared the cost of identified repairs with the cost of replacing each building. Logtenberg said a low score did not necessarily mean a building should be removed. “It’s just a guide,” he said.
The storage shed at West Williams Community Centre had the lowest score, at 51.5. That placed it in the study’s critical category. The report listed about $54,000 in work, compared with a replacement cost of about $111,000. Logtenberg said the shed needed roof, fascia, electrical and concrete block repairs. He recommended considering replacement or removal before doing the repairs.
The centre’s pavilion scored about 78. He also suggested reviewing its use and other options before proceeding with repairs.
At Parkhill Reservoir, most of the identified cost was for a new generator, estimated at $200,000. Logtenberg said the building would be rated good without that expense.
He also reviewed two historic municipal buildings. Ailsa Craig’s Ye Olde Towne Hall, built in 1906, appeared sound. However, there was evidence of leaking around the steeple roof. Recommended work included repairs to brick mortar joints, new windows and stair safety improvements.
The Parkhill Carnegie Library, built in 1915, also appeared sound. Its needs included new windows and doors, an accessibility ramp, railing work and repairs to mortar joints.
The review focused on buildings, not specialized equipment used in water and wastewater treatment. It included lower-priority and cosmetic work alongside other identified needs. Logtenberg said staff would need to review the list and decide which repairs to carry out and when.
Council accepted the findings for future budget planning. The findings will also be used to update asset management information. Staff will review the identified needs and costs before bringing repair and replacement projects into future budgets.
