PONOKA NEWS STAFF
Once the Ponoka Stampede is complete, Town Hall will be demolished.
A Town of Ponoka press release states demolition of the building will begin Monday, July 4 after the end of the Ponoka Stampede. Abatement and removal of asbestos has already been undertaken by VISCO Contractors, the company hired to demolish the building, with the project expected to be completed by the end of July.
“No disruption to traffic is expected on 48 Avenue during the demolition process,” states the release.
Among the issues that caused a need for its demolition was high levels of carbon dioxide, mould in the basement, asbestos in the air distribution system — a violation of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety — plus an open lift station for sewage and storm water in the basement along with ventilation issues, “including deficient outdoor airflow on the first and second floor requiring windows to be kept open when employees are in the building,” according to the Town of Ponoka statement.
VISCO was awarded the contract at an estimated cost of $89,400 plus $14,000 to monitor and conduct air quality tests during the work.
The cost to repair the old Town Hall building was estimated to be about $2 million, adds the relase. “The cost to rectify the serious health and safety concerns in that building made it no longer viable,” said Mayor Rick Bonnett.