Much-talked about work on the Hollinger grandstands are coming back to council this week.
Staff is recommending that Timmins council award the $657,900 upgrade to Praztek Construction.
The cost is higher than what was budgeted for the project this year.
According to the report, the 2018 budget allotted $499,500 for the project, which includes $149,850 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Staff is suggesting that $140,000 that was allocated for the Archie Dillon Sportsplex Dehumidifier project be used for the grandstands instead. That project is not being done this year because the only bid received was for $208,000, which is $67,000 more than what was budgeted.
Recently, EACOM committed $10,000 in funding for the grandstands as well. With those additional sources factored in, the shortfall is $8,400.
Built in 1950, the future of the historic grandstands has been talked about for the past several years.
“Staff offered options including the removal of all or a portion or the grandstands as well as complete replacement with more modern seating. Council directed to proceed with restoring the current facility, based on maintaining this cultural/heritage feature, and funding has been secured from NOHFC to help offset costs,” wrote corporate communications co-ordinator Heather Duhn in an email.
“Essentially, the project will involve replacement of most of the wood siding and seating. If wood can be saved, it will. The framing of the structure will remain, and additional support will be provided to the roof structure in order to address snow loads. Metal beams supporting the roof will be sand blasted/painted to remove corrosive rust. In order to maintain the current look and feel of the structure, the same wood treatment will be maintained. As such, Spruce and Douglas Fir will be used to replace any rotten wood.”
You can read the full report here.
The item is on the agenda for the Tuesday, Aug. 14 meeting. It starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
