City Hall in Owen Sound has seen better days and needs to be replaced.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says that’s a long-term goal — far down the road — but planning must start now to determine how such a project will be facilitated.
The issue came up at Owen Sound’s recent service analysis, where a staff report highlighted the deficiencies of the 45-year-old building.
These include asbestos throughout the structure, a lack of insulation and energy efficiency, and issues related to security, accessibility and ergonomics.
The deteriorating heating and cooling system needs to be replaced, at a cost of approximately 800 thousand dollars.
The building also needs a new roof, which will come with an estimated price tag of at least 100 thousand dollars.
City staff has been directed to prioritize the work that must be done at City Hall, and also to investigate options and a timeline for the eventual replacement of the building.
Lovell Stanners says a new building will not happen anytime soon, but planning must begin now to determine how it will eventually happen.
And she says they also need to figure out how to pay for it.
Possibilities include a private-public partnership, meaning a municipal building that could incorporate other offices.