More money approved for Kimberley Hall repairs

It’s hoped the Kimberley Hall could be back in use in four weeks, but that work will likely cost $60,000 more.

Council last week approved up to $120,000 in case future issues are uncovered as the restoration goes forward on the other sides of the building.

That means work can continue without delay once it’s started, which is desirable because the building will be opened up, and contractors on site.

Coun. Joel Loughead, a Kimberley resident, said that the public has lots of questions about the building, such as what work is being done, how much it will cost and when it may open.

“We have a month to total completion as well as installing veneer and the front stairs,” said staff member Mike Botelho.

ENGINEER’S VIEW

Jamie Barill of Barill Engineering, Collingwood, gave a full explanation of the original problem with bricks on the front (west side) as well as other issues.

The engineer said more work that is critical to the building’s integrity is needed.

This includes the wall framing and assembly on the west to access the stud, construction, mezzanine and other framing.

Because most of the finishes have been removed from the west side, she’s not expecting many unforeseen circumstances going forward.

She said more issues are likely to be found on the sides and rear of the building.

“This is very much the first phase of a multi-phase project,” she said, to restore structural integrity and “bring the building back to its former glory”.

She said that test holes will be used on the other sides to see what work is needed.

The timing of this exploration is not certain. Staff said it will be delayed to 2025 unless further work on the hall shows it must be done sooner.

A structural evaluation of the rear deck is needed, and it may be “end of life” she said. Moisture issues in the building also need to be addressed, she said.

“With a project of this magnitude, we keep finding issues as we go along,” Mike Botelho, Grey Highlands staff member said.

COST

Coun. Loughead asked for a review of the total cost. There was $20,000 approved last year, then the original masonry work at $85,000 which uncovered structural threats and led to the added work to stabilize the building, $44,000.

That totals $149,000, already spent. The cost of the work approved last week would be on top of that.

Given the amount estimated and approved it would mean $209,000-$269,000, depending on where the actual costs land.

“We anticipate the repairs to be $60,000 but we’re asking for an additional $60,000 so we don’t have to come back, Mr. Botelho said.

Contractors are on stand-by for the further work, and the approval will mean that the work won’t be delayed waiting on approval once it’s open.

Council will be informed as the work progresses, the report said.

Coun. Dan Wickens asked how much money was left in the asset management reserve. The repair money will come from that reserve.

The treasurer said the reserve was at $3.3 million, after the previous $44,000 was approved.

FUTURE COSTS

“This is critical work – I don’t think anybody is doubting that,” said Coun. Nadia Dubyk.

The thing that’s on everybody’s mind, she said, is “how much more are we going to spend”.

The present circumstance arose out of what CAO Karen Govan called a unique situation. Money was set aside for an engineer’s report, to know up-front what was needed.

But then the brickwork needed to be done as an emergency repair.

“That resulted in us having to do blind work, going into this and uncovering as we go,” she said. “This did all start with an emergency repair.”

Coun. Tom Allwood said council was looking at $269,000 with the $120,000 being approved.

“It just reinforces the need to make sure our asset management plan is appropriately funded,” he said.

Coun. Paul Allen brought forward a motion earlier that called for an engineer’s report before projects move forward.

Staff member Michele Harris said that there may be other items to be done in phases in the future for the long-term restoration.

“This is a building with public occupancy and a critical building for our community,” she said.

Coun. Loughead said that the initial response by staff was quick and decisive and was appreciated.

In answer to a question from council, the engineer commented that it looked like the foundation was made wider to support the brick when it was added, but over time, the elevation is higher. In some places, the brick is buried now, which accelerates deterioration.

Because of the unusual approach of attaching the single wythe of bricks to wood cladding, the engineer said it was unlikely the situation now being encountered at the Kimberley Hall would be a problem in other municipal historic buildings.

M.T. Fernandes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Flesherton Advance