Two of three roof HVAC units that were salvaged from the roof of a derelict city building ruined due to roof collapse will be re-purposed to heat a downtown facility used to store city artifacts.
The decision was made by Elliot Lake City Council Monday night after it received a report from Elliot Lake Director of Public Works, Darrell Halloch.
He told Council, "As a result of the collapse of the Civic Centre roof (February 2019) artifacts from the city's museum have been temporarily transferred and stored in the theatre building on Elizabeth Walk, by city staff. The city took over ownership of the theatre building several years ago and has already invested money in the repair the roof we did about three years ago."
"It was also discovered during an engineering inspection, the city would require a company to upgrade the current 25-year-old heating system that is no longer functioning.
"So basically the manager of facilities sought out to secure quotes. Available contractors are limited for the scale of project and negotiated the scope of work and price with mechanical work.
"We'll use two HVAC units salvaged from the demolition of the (Lester B. Pearson) Civic Centre. The units were new in 2013 and can be fabricated to fit the current theatre building allowing a high efficiency of air to comfortably heat the space and preserve the artifacts stored within.
"Basically with the theatre building containing artifacts and other equipment from offices in the old civic centre that were displaced during the demolition," Halloch continued.
"The insurance has confirmed they will cover half of the cost to have the heating unit upgraded. So basically with winter fast approaching the city must make a quick decision to budget at the cost of $27,423 plus applicable taxes to ensure the artifacts within will have heat.
"The (net) total of $13,711 plus applicable taxes can be budgeted toward the Facilities Administration Contracted Services Account, which is currently under budget, so it doesn't have to go to reserve. Halloch concluded, "The other bonus of this in the long run is the building is looking to sell in the future, afterwards, and we would need an upgraded heating system, regardless."
There was concern by Councillors about the roof strength of the theatre building. Councillor Tom Turner wanted to be re-assured the roof would take the weight of the equipment.
Mayor Dan Marchisella said after being told by engineers the roof of the Civic Centre was sound before it collapsed, he's not willing to accept another engineering roof status report.
In the mayor's words, "So engineers said that the roof of the Civic Centre was also OK with the weight load. I have no faith in engineer's reports anymore, telling you the truth, personally."
Councillor Chris Patrie asked the staff look at installing the heaters on the ground adjacent to the theatre.
He said, "The building may be structurally strong as a whole. But the problem was we had a major snowload and snowloads may change in the next five years."
"So would we not request if there's a possibility to put those units attached behind the building as opposed to the roof?"
Halloch replied, "I can ask them to inquire if there's a cost increase to it. I'm not too sure at this point."
Council voted unanimously to install the HVAC units at the downtown structure.
In the same meeting, Council voted to appoint Councillor Norman Mann as the Chair of the city's 2021 Ad Hoc Budget Committee. There are plans to start the budget process next month.