Resource group to draw up plan for fixing old town hall
By Liz Dadson

Town Council Kincardine

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Kincardine council has agreed to set up a resource group that would assist in the $1-million project to rehabilitate the old town hall, now the Kincardine Arts Centre, which sits at the south end of downtown Kincardine. The municipality has received a grant of $600,000 from the federal and provincial governments toward the total cost of $993,000.

The decision for a resource group came on the heels of a passionate presentation from Heritage Kincardine, at the July 8 meeting, to not tear down the building as was suggested at the previous council meeting July 2.

The resource group, as recommended by Steve Murray, economic development and tourism manager, would consist of one or two councillors, one Heritage Kincardine representative and a staff resource. It would explore the possibilities and priorities within the grant and would assist in recommending to council an architect to manage the project. The group would also seek input from the current users of the facility, including the Kincardine Scottish Festival, Theatre Guild, Bluewater Summer Playhouse, Woodturners Guild, Scougall Gallery and the Victoria Park Gallery.

Councillor Marsha Leggett said council should let the public know what that building costs taxpayers each year and what the tenants contribute to that cost, before spending further money on it. "We’re not good landlords if we don’t have those figures," she said.

Councillor Ken Craig said all those numbers are available through the budget process.

"Before setting up this group, we should go through our proposed community plan and get input from all parties," he said. "Then we’ll find out, do we even want to spend any money on that building?"

"The grant application was to restore a heritage building," said deputy mayor Laura Haight. "So, the idea was to bring the heritage aspects back to life – put the cupola and bell back up top. That building has been butchered over the years. A resource group would help us decide the priorities to make it an attractive building, an anchor for Queen Street."

Councillor Ron Hewitt, who was unable to attend the meeting, called in to say he supports the resource group and wants to be considered a council representative on that group.

"We should fix up what we have," said councillor Randy Roppel. "Unless you can build a new theatre for $900,000."

Craig said he is not opposed to a resource group. "But we need discussion to determine whether a new heritage facility is a better option than fixing up this old building."

Haight agreed that council needs to go through the community plan process and get input about the old town hall at the same time. Murray reminded council that the grant program has a strict timeline. "That money has to be spent within two years," he said.

In a memo to council, Murray outlined that the restoration plan would bring exterior features into major conformity with the building's historic character while also upgrading internal facilities and extending the service life of the structure.

The restoration plan includes a multitude of improvements, such as modernizing service system components (heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning), addressing fire safety concerns and improving building accessibility. It also includes reconstruction of the western gable, bell cupola and the northeastern verandah to emulate historic designs; replacement windows to reintroduce the historic arched style; implement a program of brick replacement, mortar re-pointing and concrete repairs; paint the roof façade and complete localized repairs to roof shingles; renovate public washroom facilities; complete improvements to interior finishes such as new flooring and painting; and waterproof the abandoned stairwell at the basement’s north elevation.

In previous discussion July 2, council had debated taking money out of the $1 million reserve fund for the arts centre. Currently, interest from that fund is used for maintaining the building.

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15/07/2009 08:28 PM

"We should tear it (old town hall) down," said Craig. "The exterior of that building might be renovated but it’s like any other dysfunctional property. A lot of people think Bryan Walden has a better idea (for a new multi-use building there) rather than spend $1 million 707 Queen St."

Councillor Marsha Leggett said council should let the public know what that building costs taxpayers each year and what the tenants contribute to that cost, before spending further money on it. "We’re not good landlords if we don’t have those figures," she said.

Councillor Ken Craig said all those numbers are available through the budget process.

"Before setting up this group, we should go through our proposed community plan and get input from all parties," he said. "Then we’ll find out, do we even want to spend any money on that building?"

"The grant application was to restore a heritage building," said deputy mayor Laura Haight. "So, the idea was to bring the heritage aspects back to life – put the cupola and bell back up top. That building has been butchered over the years. A resource group would help us decide the priorities to make it an attractive building, an anchor for Queen Street."

Councillor Ron Hewitt, who was unable to attend the meeting, called in to say he supports the resource group and wants to be considered a council representative on that group.

"We should fix up what we have," said councillor Randy Roppel. "Unless you can build a new theatre for $900,000."

Craig said he is not opposed to a resource group. "But we need discussion to determine whether a new heritage facility is a better option than fixing up this old building."

Haight agreed that council needs to go through the community plan process and get input about the old town hall at the same time. Murray reminded council that the grant program has a strict timeline. "That money has to be spent within two years," he said.

In a memo to council, Murray outlined that the restoration plan would bring exterior features into major conformity with the building's historic character while also upgrading internal facilities and extending the service life of the structure.

The restoration plan includes a multitude of improvements, such as modernizing service system components (heating, plumbing, and air-conditioning), addressing fire safety concerns and improving building accessibility. It also includes reconstruction of the western gable, bell cupola and the northeastern verandah to emulate historic designs; replacement windows to reintroduce the historic arched style; implement a program of brick replacement, mortar re-pointing and concrete repairs; paint the roof façade and complete localized repairs to roof shingles; renovate public washroom facilities; complete improvements to interior finishes such as new flooring and painting; and waterproof the abandoned stairwell at the basement’s north elevation.

In previous discussion July 2, council had debated taking money out of the $1 million reserve fund for the arts centre. Currently, interest from that fund is used for maintaining the building.

"We should tear it (old town hall) down," said Craig. "The exterior of that building might be renovated but it’s like any other dysfunctional property. A lot of people think Bryan Walden has a better idea (for a new multi-use building there) rather than spend $1 million 707 Queen St."

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