HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-05-048 - Forsyth Property - Centre Block
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KcTCHENER
Chief Administrator's
Office
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Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Council
November 28, 2005
Rod Regier, Executive Director Economic Development
All Wards
November 15, 2005
CAO-05-048
Forsyth Property - Centre Block
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council defer a decision on the repair to the Forsyth Building (Report CRPS-05177,
pending the receipt of an Environmental Assessment Phase 2 report currently outstanding to
the Centre Block Steering Committee due by late February, 2006.
BACKGROUND:
On October 24th, 2005, Council considered and deferred a decision on a Heritage Kitchener
recommendation that the Forsyth Building be made weather tight in order to halt any further
deterioration from water penetration into the building, and that it be preserved and incorporated
into any redevelopment of the Centre Block redevelopment. Facilities Management have
prepared cost estimates on the repair to the building. In order to evaluate the desirability of
proceeding with the repairs required, Council may wish to consider the potential role of the
Forsyth in the Centre Block redevelopment project. Centre Block Steering Committee has not
yet concluded discussions on the desirability of retaining the Forsyth building(s) in the project,
but is expected to do so early in 2006.
REPORT:
The Centre Block Steering Committee is currently completing a Phase 2 Environmental
Assessment relating to the properties on Centre Block in order to determine the extent of
contamination and the requirements for remediation on that site.
A Phase 2 Environmental Assessment of the open areas on Centre Block indicate
contamination directly adjacent to the Forsyth. Information on the technical requirements and
potential costs of remediation of the open areas as well as an assessment of the interior of the
Forsyth is also being sought by the Centre Block Committee. This information, together with a
clear statement of objectives for the Centre Block redevelopment will be available by late
February, 2006.
This information will playa critical role in determining the approach to, and potential costs of,
site remediation. This will, in turn, affect the feasibility of retaining the Forsyth building as an
element in the Centre Block redevelopment. Clarity on these issues is essential to any future
redevelopment and any decision on the Forsyth building.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The total cost of the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment is being funded from the Centre Block
account.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Centre Block Steering Committee meetings are open to the public and information on their
discussions are posted weekly on the Committee's web site.
Hans Gross
Director, Project Administration
Rod Regier
Executive Director, Econ. Dev.