By Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction News staff writer
New Tecumseth council has narrowly approved a plan to demolish a former elementary school in Alliston to build a new municipal administration centre — ending years of debate and indecision.
The project that will transform the former Alliston Union Public School at 25 Albert St. W. was initially priced at $14.9 million, and the project is now expected to top $17 million.
“This building has served its day and I’ve looked at the alternatives,” former deputy mayor Paul Whiteside said during the public comment portion of the Dec. 9 council meeting. “You don’t have to be a professional accountant to know the other options are not cheaper.”
Council considered and rejected a more expensive option recommended by staff – $19.5 million to build a new admin centre at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre site.
A staff report recommended building a 40,000 sq. ft. standalone administration centre with a campus-style layout at 7300 Industrial Pkwy. Those who support the site point to the potential for a transit stop, library and possibly a pool.
The town purchased the former Alliston Union Public School facility and property in 2016, with the intention of converting the old school building into its new town administrative offices – arguing that its current space of approximately 15,000 sq. ft. was too small.
In February 2017 a contract for architectural and engineering services was awarded to +VG Architects, The Ventin Group LTD., for the fee of $171,350 for phases 1 to 5 and final design.
Also, the town retained Saffa Engineering to conduct onsite geotechnical investigation efforts.
Concurrently with the design efforts, a tender was issued for a demolition contractor for a portion of the school.
Originally, the building was expected to open at the end of 2019, council is now expected to finally approve the site selection at a meeting Dec. 23.