KAGAWONG—Billings township council has directed township staff to investigate options for the 91 Main Street Kagawong Fitness Centre including demolition, selling the building and having the building remain in its current state with the intent for renovations to take place over time.
Billings Mayor Bryan Barker provided some background on the issue, noting at the regular meeting of council on December 19, 2023 staff had recommended conducting a staff-level (public works and municipal project management) review of the condition of 91 Main Street with the purpose of providing more information to council. The building had been placed out of service as a result of complexities related to the fire hall project, namely that the building was not safe for occupancy/use once the structural instability of the old fire hall was fully realized. In addition, the wastewater connection to the fire hall treatment system was disconnected until the fire hall rebuild was complete. It had also become evident that the sewage lift pump in 91 Main Street, located in the lower floor washroom, was not functioning. Finally, it was evident that the lower floor washroom itself, used by gym members, had seriously deteriorated and had experienced significant water damage, both from plumbing issues and some exterior water penetration. Thus, the need for further assessment.
A preliminary walk-through of the building took place on January 22. This included both levels of the building, as well as an extremely cursory external review. Although brief and not at all in-depth, this visit was enough to confirm simply returning the building to use ‘as-it was’ will cost several thousand dollars.”
Staff had sought council direction on moving forward with one of three options; request a quote on a building assessment report for further details on renovations and upgrades; investing options and costing for the building being in a safe state and investigate options for demolition.
“Looking at the finances for the building, the total energy cost for the building in 2023 was approximately $4,300, and we as a township received rent of approximately $4,800 per year for the upper floor of the building being rented,” said Councillor Vince Grogan. “Considering all of this it doesn’t make much sense. I feel more comfortable with the third option (investigate options for demolition). There is just not the value in the building as it sits. In my opinion it is not worthy of investigating this further.”
“I disagree entirely,” stated Councillor Michael Hunt. “I would love to see it (building) replaced, but at least fix it up for use again. When the building was open there were always people using the gym. It was very well occupied. I think it would be a good investment and is one of the township assets.”
“I can’t disagree with Councillor Hunt that the building was used,” said Councillor Ian Anderson. “But if we don’t repair the building are there any other options in the township to have the equipment and open a fitness centre?”
Mayor Barker said this has been previously discussed and there is nothing in place at this point.
Councillor Dave Hillyard informed council he had been in contact with the town of Gore Bay on its fitness centre. “They are looking for more members to use their fitness centre at $30 per month. The fitness centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and they have top-line fitness equipment available. I hate to see the closing of a building or business, but I’m not sure the revenues being gained from the building and the costs involved in repairing it is enough.”
There are merits with demolishing the building, said Mayor Barker. He raised a concern that if demolition of the building takes place, the township could be faced with costs if the penstock under the fitness centre show there is mould or asbestos.
Council was informed the penstock had been located in its current location well before the building was constructed over top of it.
Todd Gordon noted the building is old, and the township recently finished its asset management plant and has about 21-23 facilities that have to be managed and maintained by the township.
“Another consideration is that we have just finished three major projects (in the township) that all had cost overruns,” said Mayor Barker. “Another consideration is that we could turn the building into an arts studio/gallery. And we could budget for repairs over time.” In the condition assessment for the building the costs to repair the building is $143,862.40 in 2024.
“It may be more prudent to close the building for now and budget over time to repair it,” said Mayor Barker. “Personally, I don’t like to see vacant buildings, and we have to be financially responsible as well. We could look at keeping the building as sound as we can, for now and do repairs over time.”
It was felt by Councillor Hillyard this would only delay the inevitable and costs would increase over time. He also suggested the building could be sold to an arts and crafts group for $1 and it would save the town approximately $150,000.
After further discussion council agreed to add demolition and selling the building along with remain in current state with intent for renovations over time to be added to the list of options to be further investigated by township staff.
