Metal roofing chosen for Smiths Falls Town Hall based on long-term lifecycle value
SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council has approved replacing both sides of the Town Hall roof using a concealed fastener standing seam metal system and has directed staff to review funding options to support the expanded scope of work.
Council made the decision at its Feb. 2 committee of the whole meeting while considering a staff report on awarding the Town Hall roof replacement contract.
Community Services Director Stephanie Clark told council the roof has reached the end of its service life, based on a professional assessment completed in recent years, and now requires replacement to prevent further deterioration and the risk of water infiltration.
The Town Hall is a municipally designated heritage property and one of the most visible civic buildings in the downtown core.
“This project is fundamentally about protecting that asset responsibly while ensuring we’re making a sound long-term investment of public dollars,” Clark said.
The town issued a competitive request for quotation in November, which included a mandatory site visit and closed in December. Five compliant submissions were received and evaluated using a weighted scoring system that assessed price, experience, project timeline, and warranty coverage.
McKay Sheet Metal received the highest overall score and was recommended for contract award.
Staff recommended a concealed fastener standing seam metal roofing system over architectural asphalt shingles, citing lifecycle value rather than upfront cost.
Clark told council asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 25 years, while a metal roof has an expected lifespan of 40 to 60 years, performs better in snow and freeze-thaw conditions, and requires less long-term maintenance.
The approved 2025 capital budget allocation for the Town Hall roof project is $225,000. Staff had recommended replacing only the most deteriorated roof section this year and deferring the second elevation to a future capital project in order to remain within the approved budget.
During discussion, several councillors expressed a preference to complete both roof elevations at once, citing rising material costs, market uncertainty, and the opportunity to avoid future mobilization expenses.
Staff confirmed the cost to replace both roof elevations using a metal system is $310,785.84 before HST. That amount covers roofing materials and installation only and does not include insulation upgrades or potential repairs to decorative trim.
Clark told council insulation upgrades are estimated at approximately $25,000 per side and would require separate consideration, as McKay Sheet Metal does not perform that work. Any repairs to recessed eaves, which are designated heritage features, would also be addressed separately and may require additional approvals.
Council directed staff to explore potential funding sources, including reserve options, and to report back at a future meeting.
The Municipal Heritage Committee was consulted as part of the project. Staff confirmed the roof itself is not a heritage defining feature and does not restrict the choice of roofing material, though the committee expressed a preference for metal roofing as more consistent with traditional institutional buildings.
Council also discussed additional considerations, including pigeon deterrent measures, compatibility with existing rainwater capture systems, and potential energy and climate benefits associated with future insulation upgrades.
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