Chantry Municipal Office slated for roof repairs with long-term solutions still under review
CHANTRY — After 25 years of patch jobs and political back-and-forth, Rideau Lakes council has voted to spend up to $10,000 repairing the Chantry Municipal Office roof, even as councillors sparred over whether the building deserves a band-aid or a full makeover.
Manager of Facilities and Parks Steve Holmes told councillors the roof is still structurally sound, but corrosion at the edges needs attention before winter. A protective coating would buy two to three years before a full replacement is required, likely in 2026 or 2027.
Holmes also flagged the sanitary system as a major concern. The underground pipe has such a low slope that water sits in the line, leaving it prone to blockages. He said the problem is often caused by items being flushed that shouldn’t be. The last backup required a plumber at a cost of about $750, and future incidents could happen at any time. A permanent fix would cost $70,000 and close parts of the Chantry Municipal Office for three weeks, with portable washrooms costing another $5,900.
Some councillors balked at spending on stop-gap measures.
Coun. Jeff Banks called the plan “idiotic,” saying he wanted to see the cost of the building fully refurbished. He argued consultants once described the Chantry Municipal Office as falling apart, yet now staff were recommending a simple patch to extend its life by several years.
Coun. Paula Banks linked the repairs to Mayor Arie Hoogenboom’s use of strong-mayor powers, saying she would not support piecemeal work while larger retrofit plans remain blocked.
Holmes said the township can keep hiring plumbers to clear the line when needed, but warned there is always the risk of another shutdown until a permanent repair is made.
Coun. Dustin Bulloch urged council to limit spending to general upkeep until a final decision is made on the Chantry Municipal Office’s future. He noted the 2021 Pinchin report already recommended patching the roof membrane every few years. He suggested focussing only on the needed roof repair at this time.
Coun. Sue Dunfield said she worried about both staff safety and political gridlock, while Deputy Mayor Debbie Hutchings pressed council to stop circling the issue. “For 25 years it’s been patches, patches,” she said. “Whichever way we go, let’s just get on with it.”
Holmes said the roof has no active leaks now, but added that winter weather could quickly change that. He described the repairs as proactive rather than reactive.
The decision to move forward with just the roof repair at this time, with funding come from the 2025 year-ending budget, will be ratified at a future council meeting, with funds drawn from year-end results.
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