Things are moving at the Minden Hills library and cultural centre – but it’s not the kind of movement staff or council are embracing.
Chief building official, Eric Guay, told council Aug. 28 that the retaining wall that supports the accessibility ramp is moving away from the building.
He said they had checked six points and the wall has moved half-an-inch to three-quarters-of-an-inch in some areas.
“The frost heave that we are seeing in the wintertime is causing significant issues. As well, the posts holding up the gable entry structure have not been put below frost levels,” he told council. He added when the ramp moves, the structural posts are moving with it.
He said the municipality has received some Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program funding to put towards various accessibility projects at the library and cultural centre, Lochlin Community Centre, Irondale Community Centre and Minden Curling Club. The federal government pays 40 per cent ($358,800), the province 33.33 per cent ($298,970.10) and the township 26.67 per cent ($239,229.90) for a total of $897,000. Expenses must be as of March 31, 2027.
Guay noted the township’s accessibility priorities had changed since 2021 when they got the grant and they are reviewing curling club and Irondale community centre needs. The township is also looking for someone to demolish the Lochlin community centre, and replace it with a pre-fabricated structure.
“Staff intend to follow up with the grant approval authorities to discuss the potential to reallocate remaining grant funds,” Guay said.
He recommended contracting Tatham Engineering to do engineering work for the accessibility ramp and retaining wall, at a cost of $20,300 plus HST; followed by using grant funding for the retaining wall and ramp.
Mayor Bob Carter asked about timelines, and Guay said engineering work first, then construction next year. “It is not an imminent danger, but it is a situation that will develop and get worse over time.”
Coun. Pam Sayne supported the ask, but said there were long-standing problems with the library and cultural centre, not just the ramp and retaining wall, but roofs. She questioned the need “for a different engineer or better designs. We have other things that have been pressing much longer that require money as well.”
Coun. Tammy McKelvey said they’d hired Tatham for engineering work for the curling club roof, and library and cultural centre roofs for $27,500 and were looking at another $20,300 for the retaining wall and ramp job.
“Would we not have been better to put all these together? We needed to get this a little better organized.” She added there will be more work coming with staff entrances at the administration building.
She said they have to make sure the funding can go to the retaining wall and ramp project.
CAO Cynthia Fletcher agreed, “I think we need get a lot more coordinated” when it comes to facilities. However, she said they wanted to start using grant money they have received.
The County of Haliburton is looking at hiring an engineer as part of the service delivery review. Mayor Bob Carter said it could be a resource his township can use.
McKelvey and Sayne also asked about progress on the curling club, cultural centre and library roofs.
“This is an emergency, practically,” Sayne said of the cultural centre roof.
Guay said Tatham was close to completing engineering work for the curling club roof “and then we’ll look at the cultural centre as the next step as well.” However, he pointed out this funding has to do with accessibility, not facility upgrades.
Council approved Guay’s ask for using the grant money for the retaining wall and ramp.
