Town hall in St. Marys is back open for business.
The local landmark, a democratic hub, workplace for staff and meeting place for the town’s council, underwent a big renovation inside.
St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee said a strategic priorities meeting was held at town hall on Tuesday. The first full council meeting is next Tuesday.
Citizens are welcome to visit town hall and have a look at the changes before the meeting, at an open house from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Improvements include everything from plumbing and wiring to new technology, including audio visual equipment for citizens to follow along at meetings. Washrooms are modernized and accessible.
Strathdee said the public can expect a “refreshed” council chambers, with some new chairs.
“It’s modernized. But they kept the heritage feel,” Strathdee said of the Queen Street East buildings interior.
Strathdee said the project started simple but as most renovations go, it quickly expanded after initial inspections.
Some structural work was also part of the project and HVAC and heating got an upgrade.
“I know we came in under budget, it turned out we had a big contingency for all the unknowns. And it took a little longer than we hoped.”
The project came in at $750,000 against a budget of just over $1 million.
The interior work comes almost a year after new slate tiles were installed on the roof.
Town hall was empty for the work, and most staff worked at the municipal operations centre. Strathdee said he had a nice spot at the library, without windows.
“You know, we got to work with different people and see different things. Staff dug in.
“As much as it was an inconvenience, it was a good experience for staff.”
