Should Centre Wellington continue to own and maintain heritage properties it does not use?
That question arose in a township pre-budget meeting on Nov. 9 as council discussed the need to replace the roof of the Elora LCBO building.
The former Elora Drill Shed is a National Historic Site, recognizing the evolution of the drill hall and battalion armoury as a distinctive building type in Canada.
Councillor Mary Lloyd noted the costs to replace the building roof had risen significantly – from $75,000 to $125,000 since October.
Managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon said one of the reasons for the increase is the building’s status as a historic site.
The current roofing is cedar shakes, and the intent is to replace it with Enviroshake material, which is expected to last longer but maintain the same look.
Salmon said the township heritage committee was supportive of the move.
“My understanding was there was some leakage in the building which had caused some damage to the floor,” he explained.
As a result, there is more repair work needed than the roof project.
Salmon noted $75,000 for roof repairs had been allocated in a previous year, but not used.
Township financial manager Mark Bradey said the new numbers were from a more recent estimate, adding, “We knew the amount would be more than $75,000.”
Councillor Fred Morris asked what revenue was being generated through the building rental to the LCBO.
Bradey estimated revenue of about $70,000 annually or roughly $6,000 per month. He said he understood that the building lease continues for another year.
Morris asked if the lease was based on square footage. CAO Andy Goldie stated the lease was established by the past administration of the township.
“We have been pulling that information together,” said Goldie, who agreed there should be discussion of terms prior to renegotiation.
“This is an older agreement which until now has just moved along,” he said. “Now that this cost is being incurred, it is going to be considered as part of the lease negotiations.”
It was further noted the building recently underwent considerable work on the stone exterior, including repointing of the stonework, which was completed at the township’s cost, with part of the work covered by a grant through the federal government.
Mayor Kelly Linton asked “when this came through the heritage committee, did they talk about options for the shingles?”
Councillor Don Fisher said there was considerable discussion, including replacement with cedar shakes – which was the most expensive option.
Fisher noted that in order to maintain historic-site status with Heritage Canada, there is paperwork required to prove officials are maintaining historical context if original materials are not being used.
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen asked what the actual value of the building was. “Is it something making us money or are we keeping it because of the heritage attributes?”
He asked if there was any analysis on whether or not the municipality should keep the building.
Goldie said staff has yet to consider that because of the recent discovery of the increased cost. But he indicated the municipality will be examining the lifecycle costs of a number of township assets.
“My understanding is the township kept the ownership of the building given that it is a national historic building and (we) wanted to preserve it as part of the historical past,” said Goldie.
He added if council wants to remove itself from property ownership, staff can look at the issue and come back with a report.
