Prescott’s Committee of the Whole has provided an update on the asbestos problem plaguing town hall.
After bringing in a specialist to look over the issue town CAO Pierre Mercier says the problem is extensive but isolated to the second floor of the building. It is believed that the asbestos was present during the 2003 renovation and missed. Mercier says the ducts were screw into the material in 2003, that wires were pushed through it and varies holes were cut as well. The entire thing was described as “a rat’s nest of all sorts of pipes, wires, conduits and duct work”.
The initial clean-up estimate is $700,000 but the official who looked at the job said it was too big for him to do. After contacting GTA Finest Restoration Services, the current cleaning company, they were given an estimate of $295,000 for abatement of the asbestos and $600,000 to restore the space.
Another possible solution would see the second floor of the building turned into a more industrial style space that could be used by different groups in town. By removing all the non-loadbearing walls and ceiling on the second floor they would create six open spaces that the town says could easily be serviced with lighting, heating and cooling if there was no ceiling. The cost of this is estimated at around $295,000 to end the asbestos and another $150,000 for heating, electrical, flooring and furnishings. Mercier also said he believes $150,000 to be on the high end.
Councillor Leanne Burton said it’s a great chance to create a multifunctional building and maybe even build some new partnerships using the created space. Councillor Lee McConnell said he likes the community hub idea but is cautious about putting more money into the building, pointing to the window replacements and mechanical room repairs as other expenses that still need to be handled. He also noted that the only decision they had to make right now was on the third floor renovations. Councillor Teresa Jansman pointed out how the community hub idea was in line with some suggestions made by the Recreation Master Plan.
Committee voted in favour of directing staff to proceed with the asbestos cleanup at around $295,000 and continue looking at the potential of turning the second floor into a community hub. The votes were unanimous except for Councillor McConnell and Councillor Fraser Laschinger, who was not at the meeting.
