Blind River councillor Steven Wells wants council to have an indication of the structural integrity of municipally-owned buildings following evacuations in two town buildings due to heavy snow loads on the roofs recently.
A precautionary evacuation of the North Shore Health Network hospital happened recently with residents and patients moved to other facilities and hospitals in the area and in Blind River.
Coun. Wells indicated to council at its March 4 meeting that he would be bringing a motion forward to council’s meeting on April 1 to undertake a study of buildings. He said he was making council aware of the motion at Monday’s meeting because he will be unable to attend the next council meeting.
The councillor indicated in his motion that he would like the town to undertake an evaluation of the structural integrity of municipal buildings. Coun. Wells said an overall structural engineering study may result in “extensive and costly renovations” for the existing buildings to ensure they are safe for the public and continued operations.
Coun. Wells, in his motion, called on the town’s administrator-clerk Kathryn Scott to provide a report on options for renovations and or complete replacement of buildings if the engineering report finds they may have to be replaced in the near future. The councillor is also calling for regular reports on the structures.
The motion will go before council on April 1 for discussion.