Costs to repair Collingwood’s iconic grain terminals could top $10 million
The Collingwood Grain Terminals is an iconic landmark in the community and has stood for 89 years.
However, it appears the 2019 council will have a decision to make on its future.
At its June 25 meeting, council received a report on the condition of the facility and was told repairs could be upwards of $10 million.
Will Teron of Tacoma Engineers was hired to assess the building and said while the foundation of the terminals is strong, the roof and “exterior coating” has failed and is “no longer providing that protection for the concrete.”
Teron said the windows and doors are generally in poor condition and said they couldn’t get into the marine tower because of the bird droppings, which he said are two inches thick.
He suggested four options for council going forward, the first being full remediation and repair over the next five years.
This would cost between $8 and $9.7 million and would include environmental abatement, roof replacement, concrete restoration, window and door repair, interior system repair and foundation waterproofing.
He said the work could be phased, but the cost would increase because of ongoing deterioration and inflation.
Coun. Kevin Lloyd asked, “What is the deterioration rate over the next five years, 10 years and what is that going to cost us?”
Teron said the building is likely deteriorating at a rate of about two to four per cent annually.
The third option would be to abandon the facility.
“None of the repairs would be implemented and the building would be completely vacated,” he said.
The final option would be demolition, which he estimates would cost about $5 million.
He said they approached three different companies on estimates to demolition the building.
The terminal was constructed in 1929 by Collingwood Terminals Limited and features 52 grain silos.
The building was declared surplus several years ago and there was a proposal by two local businessmen to grow mushrooms in the facility.
Council passed a motion to receive the report and refer it to the 2019 budget discussions.