The saga of the old library roof continues, with scope added to turn the building into an arts centre to include roof and mechanical replacements.
Originally a capital budget item of its own, the roof was taken out of the overall project to renovate the building into artsPlace, work that is currently under way.
Manager of facilities Stephen Hanus said as that work has proceeded, it is clear the roof and mechanical system needs to be replaced and there is enough money in the budget to get the work done now.
“We are in an enviable financial position for this project,” Hanus said. “Administration would like to look at replacing them and the good news here is we are currently under budget … we feel we can proceed with the replacement of the roof and possibly one or all of the mechanical systems, depending on how the change orders go for the rest of the project.”
He said over the winter months it has become apparent the 30-year-old roof has systemic problems, with water leaking through.
“It is suggested that perhaps the roof system is holistically breaking down faster than expected,” Hanus said.
The $2.5 million project is at a point where a lot of variables are now known and Hanus asked council to approve the change in scope at this stage. It is expected to open in September.
