Construction to upgrade the washrooms at Elizabeth Lake should begin in October. The planned work on the facilities, which are situated at the West End Tourist Information area as you enter Cranbrook from the south, was approved as a project in the 2015-2019 Five Year Financial Plan by council at the March 4 budget meeting.
The upgrades hinge on the adoption financial plan, where $60,000 has been allocated for the upgrade work.
Charlotte Osborne, director of Finance and Computer Services explained that the project made its way into the budget process after a complaint was lodged.
“It was agreed that the facilities did need to be upgraded, but to what extent was uncertain,” Osborne said.
Tony Hetu, the Trades manager for the City, reviewed the facility and developed a plan to upgrade the washrooms and make them wheelchair accessible.
City staff estimated the cost for materials and contractors to be $43,000, in addition to the estimated public works labour cost of $27,000.
The funds to pay the public works staff will come from an existing department labour budget.
“The estimated cost for materials and contractors is within the $60,000 approved by Council at the March 4, 2015 budget meeting,” wrote city staff. “Assuming the 2015 - 2019 Five Year Financial Plan is adopted, as presented, the project will commence in October 2015.”
City staff noted that while the plan calls for using public works labour, a contractor is considered for the installation of the low maintenance flooring. The plan also considers shingle roofing installed by a contractor. They note that if staff can purchase aluminum roofing material and install that for the same price, aluminum would be the preferred application.
City staff is recommending these upgrades: replace roof shingles; install facia, soffit and gutters as needed; re-stain log siding; replace existing perimeter pavement concrete for wheelchair accessibility; remodel interior of existing washrooms; reconfigure washroom layout for wheelchair access; and replace all electrical and plumbing fixtures.
The project will likely take eight weeks to complete.
The budget will be in front of council for the first three readings Monday, April 13 at the regular council meeting.