City Facility Upgrades to Highlight Rare Wednesday Council Session
Prince George, B.C.- Prince George City Council doesn’t normally meet on a Wednesday, but game one of the Canada Russia series prompted Council to approve bumping Monday’s meeting to tonight.
One of the key issues to be discussed this evening is the condition of City assets and facilities. The latest report, on 17 of the City’s assets, suggests the City will need to reinvest $14.8 million over the next ten years to correct problems with the buildings. The City has now completed assessments on 24 facilities over the past two years and the total amount needed to reinvest in these buildings over the next decade is estimated to be $21.5 million dollars.
There are three facilities which stand out as needing repair sooner rather than later, Exhibition Sports Centre/Gymnastics building, Studio 2880 Gallery and the Kin III arena.
In the case of Studio 2880 Gallery, the report outlines a need for $1 million dollars to replace the exterior windows, and the interior lighting.
As for the Kin III arena, the report indicates “Areas that were not part of the 2011 renovation will require renewal i.e. doors, paint, and flooring. Rooftop exhaust fans and one rooftop make-up air unit require replacement. Dehumidifier needs replacement and upsize. ” The repairs and replacements have a price tag of $2..2 million .
Then there’s the Exhibition Sports Centre/Gymnastic building. The report says that facility needs: “Complete replacement of building envelope and windows . Spalling and cracks in the foundation. Severe deterioration in roof facia and supports. Ceiling panels show signs of water damage. A closer investigation of the roof should be conducted. Mechanical equipment needs replacement as well as the gas water heater. Replace electrical panels and update lighting.” The estimated cost for those repairs is $1.9 million.
Also on the agenda for this evening’s session, presentations from Theatre Northwest and the Community Arts Council.
The Community Arts Council is calling on Council to support four requests which include 5 year funding agreements with the major cultural organizations in the City ( Symphony, Theatre NorthWest and the Community Arts Council) and that those agreements have a built in 2.5-3.0% annual increase to reflect increases in the cost of living.
Comments
Shouldn’t upgrades to facilities be the responsibility of the user groups?
There is a difference between an upgrade to the building envelope and an upgrade of the interior which would be called the tenant improvement.
Look up BOMA standards to see what the system is in the private world of Building Owners and Managers.
In the case of public buildings there can be some variation since the City subsidizes some groups and asking those groups to adhere to a strict standard can become counterproductive.
The normal way to pay for upgrades to building components which are the responsibility of the building owner is to collect such maintenance costs in annual rents. If insufficient money is collected over time, then the rent is increased.
Sort of like the municipal tax situation …. :-)
Look at the Exhibition Sports Centre/Gymnastic building list.
1.“Complete replacement of building envelope and windows .
2. Spalling and cracks in the foundation.
3. Severe deterioration in roof facia and supports.
4. Ceiling panels show signs of water damage. (from leaking roof, broken pipe, etc.?)
5. A closer investigation of the roof should be conducted.
6. Mechanical equipment needs replacement as well as the gas water heater.
7. Replace electrical panels and update lighting.
The lighting could be a tenant responsibility as could one or two others depending on the lease agreement, but the rest are clearly building owner responsibilities.
I believe user groups are responsible for maintenance. How many of the above issues can be attributed to poor maintenance?
There are two parties to the lease – the owner of the building and the tenant. Each have their “ownership” components under that contract. Each is responsible to maintain their components. The ones I outlined are normally the owner’s responsibility.
a guide for you
millerthomson.com/en/publications/communiques-and-updates/real-estate-report-alberta/december-2012/repair-and-maintenance-obligations-under-the
From a recent rental agreement (not these facilities) with the City:
“4.4 Repair: The Renter will keep the Property in good condition and repair at its own expense, and will remove liens from the Property which arise out of work done or materials supplied at the Property for Renter. The Renter will not be responsible for repairs or maintenance arising out of the use of the Property by a third party for a Special Event, in accordance with section 3.4”
I hope City Council moves ahead with these upgrades. Our City needs these upgrades to make sure these City assets continue to have a useful life. Not only that, new upgrades make City facilities look great and boost the image of our fine City.
Go PG Go!!
2880 should just be replaced. Kinda looks like a fire to happen there. That building is well used.. the gymnatic building??/ Why can’t these activities be done at a newer building…like the Civic Centre could be multi use. No sense in throwing away money to upgrade
2880 should just be relocated to the art gallery. It’s hardly used and this would bring more people in.
Comments for this article are closed.