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Assessment says $6.8 million needed for repairs to arenas
Kimberley City Council Report
By Nowell Berg
On February 28, City of Kimberley council held its regular bi-monthly meeting.
Councillors Kyle Dalum, Kent Goodwin, Nigel Kitto, Jason McBain, Darryl Oakley and Sandra Roberts were present along with Mayor Don McCormick.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the public and media are not allowed to attend Council Chambers. Meetings live stream on the City of Kimberley YouTube channel. Watch the archive here.
RCMP Report
Kimberley RCMP Detachment commanded Sgt. Steve Woodcox presented the Mayor and council with a summary of his report for Oct. to Dec., 2021 (third quarter).
Referring to the two arson fires back in December, Woodcox said, “I really want to thank the community for really stepping up and calling us and assisting in solving that [the Gymnastic Club fire].”
Regarding the ski hill fire, Woodcox stated he was “very hopefully” they would be able to determine who set the fire. “If anyone has any information, we implore them to please step forward and call us.”
He also noted an increase in calls regarding internet fraud. He said several people reported having bought something online and sent money only to never receive the goods. “If you are going to buy something online, one of the things to do is maybe meet at a public place. Meet people in person.”
He even suggested the RCMP parking lot.
Coun. Dalum asked Woodcox whether it had exterior cameras.
“We have video surveillance around the detachment,” Woodcox said. He then reiterated to meet in public where there are witnesses and you are not alone. He added that if someone doesn’t want to meet in pubic “there could be a reason.” Buyer beware.
Woodcox also reported that Kimberley Search and Rescue helped on three occasions to locate missing hunters and sledders. “They are an invaluable resource and I want to give a shout out to them.”
Kimberley Civic Centre and Marysville Arena Building Condition Assessment
The city received a lengthy and detailed report from Stephenson Engineering, which conducted a facility lifecycle assessment on the Civic Centre and Marysville Arena. This included architectural, site, structural, mechanical, and electrical components that were assessed for needed repairs, maintenance and possible replacement.
The results from the assessment suggest the city needs to spend $6.8 million on repairs and maintenance of both facilities. Lawrence McSorley, Architect and Principal, Stephenson Engineering estimates $4.1 million should be spent on the Civic Centre and $2.7 million on the Marysville Arena. The bulk of this money would need to be spent within the next five years.
“Right now, the Civic Centre is the one having the most difficulty. You’re starting out with it in critical condition,” said McSorley.
Given the Civic Centre is 60 years old, he estimated it may have up to another 26 years of life if the city were to undertake all of the “critical repairs” and maintenance outlined in their report.
McSorley also suggested the city “consider the cost option comparisons between a replacement facility versus major renovations.”
Coun. Oakley agreed, saying, “It’s probably time now to think about not just repairing these buildings but go further and plan for new.”
Coun. Roberts said, “I have to say this whole assessment has been an eye-opener to me.”
She noted the competing financial demands “given the $65 – $90 million for a wastewater treatment plant. It creates an interesting dilemma for us.”
Responding to the report, Manager of Parks and Facilities Nicole Halasz said, “It’s a deeper conversation about where we see ourselves in the future. What kind of money can we invest? Where do we see the community going?”
Roofing Repairs
Council approved the contracts for three roof repair and replacement projects to be undertaken on city owned buildings.
Western Roofing received a contract for $284,000 to conduct repairs to the roofs on the City Hall ($121,700) and RCMP Building ($162,300). The contract ended up being $41,400 greater than what was originally budgeted. A 17% increase in cost.
Western Roofing indicated the larger number was due to an “eight to 12%” increase in material costs.
The Centre 64 roof is also slated for major repairs. The contract for this work has been awarded to Stoic Industries Construction Management. The contract amount is $456,204.53.
The Centre 64 roof required repair “to eliminate leaking and to bring the roof up to current snow load-bearing code.” The extent of repairs includes truss repair, insulation, new metal roofing and interior finishing and painting.
Kimberley city council meets twice monthly starting at 7 p.m. The next scheduled council meeting: March 14.
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
