Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter
The City of Stratford is moving forward with the demolition of one of the buildings on the Cooper site.
At last week’s meeting, council gave the green light to seek quotations to demolish the east building as soon as possible.
An exemption to the city’s tendering requirements was given to fast track the process.
According to a report by consulting engineers Read Jones Christoffersen, the probable cost of restoring the section of building is about $2 million.
However, demolishing the building would likely only cost $400,000, a substantial savings. The city is recommending leaving the foundation and slab in place instead of removing it, something that would cut demolition costs to $265,000.
Had council opted to go through the traditional tender process, temporary safety measures – such as shoring up the roof structure and securing the perimeter – would have been required until work could be completed. The additional cost was estimated at $100,000 to $125,000.
The building, which was used as the tube shop when it was built in 1889, is the oldest structure still standing on the site. It is about 70 feet by 160 feet in size.
“… We are of the opinion that the majority of the east building structure is structurally unsound and is experiencing extensive age and environmental related deterioration, which has reduced the integrity and load-carrying capacity of many of the individual roof and exterior wall elements,” stated the engineer’s report.
The report stated the primary roof trusses have had supports installed below them, but it is not enough to support the roof structure, especially when it is covered with snow.
Because the metal roof and decking has been removed in this area, it has exposed the joists, beams and trusses to the elements, which has accelerated deterioration, the report said.
“Based on the amount of restoration work required to repair the structural elements and the extensive cost associated with this exercise, we are of the opinion that the most cost effective means of addressing the integrity concerns noted in this report would be through the demolition of the east portion of the building,” it continued.
According to background information provided by staff, environmental consultants have confirmed the demolition of the building will not compromise investigations into soil contamination that are currently underway.
Staff also stated the demolition would resolve an unsafe order issued in 2007.
At last week’s meeting, responding to a question from Coun. Bonnie Henderson, city CAO Ron Shaw said Heritage Stratford has been informed of the plans and there has been no feedback received regarding the demolition.
