Winnipeg, MB - Important maintenance to the Council Building has begun, and will include necessary structural repairs such as roof replacement, window upgrades, stone repointing, and Building Code-related safety system upgrades. This maintenance work is needed as many important building components and systems have reached the end of their usable lifecycle and require updating in order to meet the needs of the public and Council long-term.
The Council building is over 50 years old, and was recently designated as a heritage building. A health and safety report by a fire protection consultant in 2010 suggested a number of essential repairs, including upgrade to fire detection, suppression and alarm systems to meet current code, asbestos abatement, and security and safety improvements. A separate consultant report from 2002, updated in 2012, also identified a number of required repairs, including repairs to the roof, clerestory windows and tyndall stone façade.
Repairs to these necessary facilities, including installation of an energy-efficient roof and windows, are already long overdue, will ensure that the building is up to current safety system and Code requirements, and will also lead to cost-savings in the future. These repairs will also help avoid incurring further costs to repair aging infrastructure such as patching roof leaks and spot-repairing water damage to the tyndall stone façade.
This building repair is expected to be completed by late 2017. Work will occur in phases, and will be completed as efficiently as possible with respect to season and time-sensitive work in order to minimize cost and limit service delivery interruptions.
City Hall maintenance was identified as a priority in Budget 2012. Requests for proposals for Council building repairs will be posted at City of Winnipeg - Bid Opportunities as the project proceeds.