Ontario Construction News staff writer
Thorold City Council has requested a staff report on design alternatives and funding options to bring the cost of building a museum closer to the original $7.84 million, with the city’s maximum contribution capped at $1.57 million.
The vote happened after a proposed design for the new Thorold Museum and Cultural Centre was presented to Thorold City Council recently by Raimondo + Associates Architects and Reich and Petch. The project will transform the old Fire Station 1 on Towpath Street into a museum and cultural hub, with plans for extensive renovations and a major expansion.
“I’m not comfortable with spending $12 million . . . I think if there has to be an amendment made to the current recommendation then we should be asking staff to return with another option,” said Councillor Handley.
Along with adding a second floor, construction will include a new courtyard with exposed remnants of the old canal beneath the building, accessibility upgrades, energy-efficient improvements and a state-of-the-art HVAC system to preserve historic artifacts.
While the federal government has committed $6 million to the project, local councillors are concerned that the original projected $7 million cost has jumped to $12 million.
“I’m not comfortable funding more tax dollars in this,” said Councillor Mike De Divitiis “We have other projects we have to concentrate on and we have to think of the whole community.
“I think they have to work with the budget they already had.”
According to project architect Emilio Raimondo, the building’s small size “wasn’t adequate” to incorporate proposed upgrades.
However, several councillors said they wanted a plan that repurposed the old fire hall without building additional space.
“We did explore alternative designs; much more simplified …. but within that plan we found that there were shortcomings,” Raimondo said.
When the project was first introduced last year, the city committed to a maximum contribution of $1.5 million, with the expectation that the museum would raise additional funds.
Federal funding was awarded to upgrade the building, improve insulation, prevent leaks, and enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, a new elevator will improve accessibility, and the upgraded HVAC system will ensure the preservation of historic artifacts.