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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-10-29_MR_Gold River UpdateMEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 2015 RENOVATION PROJECT OF FORMER GOLD RIVER SCHOOL TERMINATED MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – At their meeting on Thursday, October 29, Council discussed the latest financial estimate to renovate the former school in Gold River into a satellite municipal office, housing the Community Development and Recreation Departments. Once again, the fourth time since the project was considered, a rise in costs was presented. Fire suppression was found to be inadequate, and upgrades to the system are mandatory before the renovation can continue. The Office of the Fire Marshal also found that even with an upgraded system, the gymnasium will have to be almost halved in size to fall within standards. Faced with a difficult decision, Council discussed the justification of adding another near $500,000 to the budget while diminishing the value of gymnasium. After careful consideration and a great deal of thought, Council decided to pull the plug. “The measure of increase to our costs just isn’t defendable,” said Warden Allen Webber. “Council still believes that the project was a good one in its intent. However, the extent of the renovations and the uncertainty of even these latest numbers is the determining factor in our decision today.” The decision to not move forward with the Gold River municipal office project was disappointing to many, including some residents in the area who were looking forward to having services a little bit closer. Council and staff we re also anticipating the move and the opportunities it presented. It is too soon to say what will happen with the Annex Building, Food Bank, and Gold River school itself. The pre-existing space issues that originally compelled Council to explore the Gold River project in the first place are still a priority. Councillors and staff will be working on solutions in the near future concerning office space. Until then, status quo will be maintained, and services will be uninterrupted. To date, $110,000 was spent in current renovations that include asbestos removal and drainage. Engineering and consulting costs from 2013 to present, including inspections, estimates and recommendations, are $153,000. Neither of these costs are seen as a loss by the Municipality. Construction to date is required anyway if the building is not demolished, and engineering costs allowed the Municipality to ascertain that the project was not financially prudent and the current inadequacies would still be unknown. This is an example of the challenges municipalities face when they are handed abandoned schools and trying to find a way to reuse them. The financial challenges are too great for municipalities, and a resolution to that effect will be made at the upcoming Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities Conference. The resolution will be presented to the Province in hopes to come to a mutual solution for the abandoned and often derelict buildings. Council’s intention is to keep the school’s playground equipment that was purchased through community fundraisers; although, it is not known to where it will be moved yet. -30- CONTACT INFORMATION: Allen Webber, Warden Municipality of the District of Chester (902) 275-3555 ext. 1008 (902) 275-4771 fax awebber@chester.ca Tammy Wilson, CAO Municipality of the District of Chester (902) 275-3555 ext. 1101 phone (902) 275-4771 fax twilson@chester.ca