As the countdown begins for Canada’s 150th birthday, the federal Liberals have ponied up $2.1 million to go towards 12 Hamilton rehabilitation and renovation projects.
This is round two of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, first created by the previous Conservative government in 2015.
"The challenge is the timeline," said City of Hamilton senior policy advisor John Savoia in referring to the March 31, 2018 deadline for 11 of the 12 projects, which is past the 150th celebrations.
The remaining project is a new play structure for Perth Park in Ancaster, which is due for completion by Dec. 31, 2017. The federal contribution was $72,500 towards the total cost of $145,000 for this project.
The costliest of the 12 fixes is new windows for the central library. The total cost for that project is $1.2 million with $400,000 coming from the federal grant.
"The central library is an integral part of the rejuvenation we are seeing in the downtown core. Since the David Premi award-winning design and redevelopment of some aspects, we have been very aware that further work would be required to maintain the library’s state-of-the-art and progressive presence as a mega-hub for our citizens," said Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr.
Before the cash boost from the federal government was announced, City of Hamilton officials warned the windows of the 35-year-old library were close to failing.
Another project as part of the Canada 150 initiative includes phase two of the restoration of the stone garden wall of Auchmar House, with a total cost of $817,000 — $273,000 coming from the feds.
The estate, located at the corner of Fennell Avenue and West 5th, was the home of Isaac Buchanan, who is considered one of Hamilton’s most influential citizens in the 1800s.
"This project is in the tendering stage now. The first phase restored the original carriage way and west side," said Ian Kerr-Wilson, City of Hamilton manager of heritage resource management. "This next phase will continue work on the north side."
The work includes disassembly, adding new foundations, rebuilding with original stonework and matching new stone where necessary, using mid-19th century techniques and materials.
"The specification work is in development. We will be going to request for quotation or tender ASAP," he said.
The third costliest project is the $511,000 Confederation Park Beach Gateways, with $170,000 being contributed by the federal government.
The fourth costliest project is the $455,000 restoration of the 1870s roof on the Coach House at Dundurn National Historic Site.
"This project will replace the decayed wood shingles, stabilize the original sheathing (and replace where necessary) and add some circulation features," said Kerr-Wilson.
The fifth most expensive project is the $330,000 rehabilitation of the Hamilton Mountain Arena Elevator, with $110,000 coming from the federal contribution.
Sixth is the Ancaster Old Town Hall interior renovation project, with $58,616 of the cost covered from the federal grant.
The work will focus on updating the community kitchen, cloakroom, washrooms and administrative space.
"Over the last handful of years, we have invested in a re-restoration of the heritage portions of the building, including work on the windows, foundation flooring and electrical and HVAC services," said Kerr-Wilson.
He said the hall is an "extremely busy community centre" that hosts several hundred events each year such as weddings, retirement parties and community and public meetings.
"All that traffic has taken its toll and all needs to be updated and upgraded," he said.
"We are working on a design and specification now and will be issuing an RFQ ASAP."
Other projects that will be partially funded from the federal government grant are:
• $700,000 Alexander Park splash pad/wading pool renovation – $233,335 from the federal government
• $600,000 Glanbrook Arena elevator – $200,000 from the federal government
• $500,000 Corman Park accessible washrooms – $166,667 from the federal government
• $500,000 Turner Park expanded washrooms – $166,667 from the federal
government
• $315,000 Maplewood Park spray pad –$105,000 from the federal government.
"The completion deadline for the majority of the projects is ultimately March 31, 2018, so the challenge for the city is to get the projects completed by then, otherwise we risk losing some of the federal grant monies which has occurred in the past. I believe for most part, the projects still need to be tendered so that will affect project costs as well," said Savoia.
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