A few weeks after City of Elliot Lake CAO Daniel Gagnon announced the landlord who owns Pearson Plaza is struggling to complete roof repairs there, the Chair of the Elliot Lake Public Library Board says the owner, based in Barrie, has a building permit for the work and is expected to begin repairs there shortly.
"Due to a number of leaks in the roof over the Library and adjacent spaces it was determined by the landlord in early 2020 that the Library was to be closed for repairs. Sadly, this was in the winter months when snow and ice on the roof prevented any inspection or work from taking place," Greg Lawrence said, "Approximately two weeks ago, the owner applied for and was granted a building permit to begin repairs.
"Delivery of materials has begun and we are optimistic that the necessary work will be over in the near future. Once we are given clearance to return, we will announce a re-opening date. The closure was not because of COVID-19 but we would have had to close during stages 1 and 2 of the province’s shut down in any event. A number of inspections have taken place by city staff and the landlord’s representatives and we are assured that no damage to the interior has occurred. Rent has not been paid since early February.
"We are all anxious for the re-opening and the members of the Board thank everyone for their patience," he concluded.
In May, Gagnon reported to a virtual meeting of city council the landlord faces repairs in the "hundreds of thousands of dollars".
"just need to remind the public that the library has been closed since late January, completely unrelated to COVID, because of roof leaks," Gagnon said.
"I can say that the landlord is still struggling with the scope of work when it comes to the roof repairs. Certainly, he's struggling with the scope of work and what version of the roof repair he does.”
Last Jan. 7, the City’s Building Department issued an order to comply with the Ontario Building Code to clarify the cause and correct roof leaks visible at the Elliot Lake Public Library space and, to some degree in an adjacent leased retail space in the Pearson Plaza
The building owner and landlord, McCowan and Associates of Barrie responded on Jan. 16 that it needed to close the library the common areas and the leased retail space for remedial repair.
Back then Gagnon told Council, "The city is currently seeking clarification from the landlord as to the cause of the roof leaks, the scope of the repairs needed, and the length of the potential closure."