Long overdue upgrades and renovations to the third floor of Cranbrook City Hall are expected to begin by the fall of 2021, thanks to grant funding from both the Government of Canada and the Province of B.C.

A total of $1.51 million in project grant funds are coming from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s (ICIP) – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream with Canada contributing over $1.2 million, and over $300,000 in funds coming from the Province of B.C.

This project would see the renovation of the existing third floor that has been out of commission for over 40 years, due to asbestos, lead paint, and structural concerns. By removing these materials, the project addresses the health and safety concerns for staff and the public. This renovation will also result in three additional office spaces and a common area, which will alleviate staffing capacity issues at City Hall, and allow for the centralization of services to improve customer access.

The project will also see the renovation of the Council Chambers, that will also remove the hazardous material in the ceiling, which was enclosed many years ago. Finally, the project will see upgrades to the electrical services to City Hall to provide updated electrical components and to allow for the future upgrades to the HVAC system. The city has earmarked $150,000 for changes to the HVAC system, which is a previously planned capital work already in the five-year financial plan. This funding is independent of the grant dollars.

“Through the COVID-19 Resilience stream, the Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to support community infrastructure needs and local economies at a time when it is needed most,” said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Investments in infrastructure enable communities like Cranbrook to make essential upgrades to municipal buildings for the benefit of their community. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

“These long overdue renovations to Cranbrook’s City Hall building bring multiple benefits to the community, opening up existing space so staff can better serve the public, and making important health and safety updates to this historic building so people can continue to enjoy it for years to come,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Together with federal and local partners we are continuing to address the infrastructure needs of communities all across B.C., helping create jobs and secure a strong economic recovery and resilient future.”

“Without this grant, the much-needed repairs to the old, heritage building that is City Hall would not be possible, without impacting the taxes of our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Lee Pratt. “On behalf of the city, I am grateful for the financial commitment to this project from both the Government of Canada and the Province of BC.”

The project is expected to be substantially complete by December 2023.

Lead image: Cranbrook council chamber will also be improved in the renovation work. Image extracted from City of Cranbrook council meeting video

City of Cranbrook

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