The repair of Victoria Hall was budgeted for $20,000.

Instead, the town spent over $116,000 to repair the wooden cupola on the north roof of Victoria Hall.

A report from David Menzies, director of parks, recreation and facilities for the town, said staff noticed the need to repair the wooden parts but, because of the height of the roof, were not able to accurately assess the damage which had taken place in the last 25 years.

After town council approved $20,000 in repairs in February, planning for the work began. But as people started using Victoria Park beneath the cupola, Menzies report says, they were calling town hall saying pieces of metal roof sheeting and slate tiles were falling from above.

“At this time the CAO implemented emergency repairs as per the town’s procurement bylaw for the safety of park users and VPP patrons,” he writes.

Council was made aware of the problem and Menzies began working with engineers from CIMA on the repairs.

Menzies says $45,000 in scaffolding was erected to safely access the roof and by June 28, CIMA and Bourque Renovations were evaluating the repairs.

The first estimate put the cost at $133,000 however when the work was complete the final bill was just over $116,323.

Menzies report says the repairs completed included replacement of the fascia, soffits, finials, windows frames, inlays, tin trim, slate shingles, and bird netting. All the painting is complete. Interior structural beams have been secured as per the engineer’s advice. The material used was marine grade plywood which will withstand the elements for the next 20 years.

The exterior of the structure is scheduled to be examined in 2026 by drone. The repair of Victoria Hall was budgeted for $20,000.

Instead, the town spent over $116,000 to repair the wooden cupola on the north roof of Victoria Hall.

A report from David Menzies, director of parks, recreation and facilities for the town, said staff noticed the need to repair the wooden parts but, because of the height of the roof, were not able to accurately assess the damage which had taken place in the last 25 years.

After town council approved $20,000 in repairs in February, planning for the work began. But as people started using Victoria Park beneath the cupola, Menzies report says, they were calling town hall saying pieces of metal roof sheeting and slate tiles were falling from above.

“At this time the CAO implemented emergency repairs as per the town’s procurement bylaw for the safety of park users and VPP patrons,” he writes.

Council was made aware of the problem and Menzies began working with engineers from CIMA on the repairs.

Menzies says $45,000 in scaffolding was erected to safely access the roof and by June 28, CIMA and Bourque Renovations were evaluating the repairs.

The first estimate put the cost at $133,000 however when the work was complete the final bill was just over $116,323.

Menzies report says the repairs completed included replacement of the fascia, soffits, finials, windows frames, inlays, tin trim, slate shingles, and bird netting. All the painting is complete. Interior structural beams have been secured as per the engineer’s advice. The material used was marine grade plywood which will withstand the elements for the next 20 years.

The exterior of the structure is scheduled to be examined in 2026 by drone.