The District of Squamish has started a process to evaluate options to replace the Municipal Hall, one of the critical facilities identified for replacement by the 2019 Real Estate and Facilities (REF) Master Plan.
An Expression of Interest has been issued as a first step to explore whether a developer could provide the space to accommodate a new Municipal Hall, district said.
This option is one of a number of scenarios the district said it will investigate before making a final decision.
Scenarios that have been identified include looking at everything from building a new Municipal Hall on district property, including the current site, renovating the existing hall and leasing additional space elsewhere, or acquiring developer-built space, through lease or purchase.
A land exchange may also be a possibility to secure the optimal location.
A detailed review of the 48-year-old facility completed during the REF Master Plan identified several issues.
Substantial upcoming upgrades are required for a new heating system, a new roof, as well as plumbing and water infiltration issues.
Municipal hall also lacks a meeting and has outgrown council chambers and the need for additional office space. It also has outdated seismic standards.
Replacement of Municipal Hall is recommended before significant capital repairs are required on a facility that no longer meets the needs of the organization, district said.
The replacement of Municipal Hall will be prioritized after the Fire Halls and the Public Works Operations facility. In the meantime, the District continues to work towards a funding plan for necessary upgrades and expansion of Brennan Park Recreation Centre, it added.
The Expression of Interest period closes April 7, 2020. Details are available at Squamish.ca/EOI.
“Our process will look at creative ways to replace Municipal Hall and will undertake a comparative analysis on a number of options. All options including leasing, partnerships and co-locating to help us minimize investment are on the table,” says Mayor Karen Elliott.
“This council is taking a proactive role to action the critical facility replacement needs of our community, and getting started on this analysis is an exciting and necessary step.”
