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Terrace city hall renovations ongoing

A long-term program to spruce up the appearance and efficiency of two municipal buildings enters its eighth year

SOUNDS OF drilling and hammering echoed through city hall this past summer as a long-term program to spruce up the appearance and efficiency of two key municipal buildings progressed.

“The works have improved the appearance of the building, but the primary focus has been on maximizing energy savings and improving systems function,” said director of public works Rob Schibli.

“About eight years ago we completed a full assessment of city hall and the fire station,” continued Schibli. “The assessment indicated it would be more cost effective to upgrade the existing building than to rebuild.”

Eight years later, the work is ongoing. To date, the phased upgrades, about one a year, have included:

  • New windows, insulation and exterior to the south wall at a cost of $100,000;

  • Roof upgrades including major insulation, drainage, structural and fascia works at $162,000;

  • Installation of a lift system for accessibility at a cost of $70,000;

  • Renovations to the Fire Department hose tower and bays costing $158,000;

  • Upgraded windows, insulation and exterior to the west wall costing $120,000;

  • $15,000 of lighting upgrades in 2012 done under a BC Hydro Power Smart program;

  • New HVAC air handler systems and electrical upgrades included in the other projects.

Future upgrades will include new windows and insulation and exterior to the east wall on the Eby St. side in 2014, a project that Schibli said will significantly improve the look of this most visible side of city hall.

New hot water pipe upgrades are slated to happen in 2014 and 2015, with a new heating boiler unit installed possibly in 2015.

A concept plan for front entrance improvements is set undertaken in 2014, with emergency generator upgrades and parking lot restoration also on the list, albeit without a set date.