It's a project that's long over due.
For the last few months, Bonnyville Town Hall has been the site of construction as crews work on the new building.
Construction is on schedule and on budget, with the projected completion date of fall or early winter of 2017.
“In my opinion it's a phenomenal project,” said Mayor of Bonnyville Gene Sobolewski. “It's a long time coming, and the deeper we dig into our existing building, the more I know we got this right.”
The town plans to have the concrete poured by the New Year and, so far, is on schedule to do so. Come spring, they are hoping the majority of the outside of the building will be completed.
The 80-year-old facility needs work in terms of foundation, the roof, the air conditioning and the structure. Prior to becoming the town hall, the building was used as a fire hall, a jail, and an ambulance head quarters.
“Over the years it has seen a lot of different usages, and different facades, but the core structures are still here,” noted Sobolewski, adding there are “untold issues” with the building.
Assistant CAO Bill Rogers said because of the economy, labour costs are at the lowest they have been in years, so the town decided now was the best time to either break ground or make some upgrades.
Due to the price tag associated with upgrades and repairs to the current hall, it was deemed more cost efficient to construct a new building.
“Its time has come and gone… yes there is sentimental value there, but we also have to look at the technical safety,” Sobolewski explained.
The new town hall will include council chambers, municipal office space, and additional rooms with room to expand.
“We are not being overly extravagant. It's going to be functional, it's going to be something we can be proud of and will serve us for hopefully another 50 to 75 years.”
Sobolewski added that although the building is being described as functional, “that doesn't mean it is going to be ugly.”
The facility will also include a large community use area located in the basement of the council chambers, and a more spacious parking lot.
“It's not intended to be a wonder of the world in terms of architecture,” Sobolewski said.
Rogers said overall, it is going to be a much more community minded space than what the town currently has to offer.
When the town put the project out for bid, they emphasized on the importance of using local contractors, as not only a way to cost save, but also to help give work to local businesses during the downturn.
“The fact that we were able to do something using local contractors, local labour, and local supplies, that was a big message, and that is something that I am very proud of,” noted Sobolewski.
Rogers added that it's nice to be able to give local contractors some work during hard economic times.
“They (council) wanted to support the community that has been supporting them.”
