Heather Wright.The Independent

The cost to renovate the former ScotiaBank for public use will cost Petrolia taxpayers 35 per cent more than first expected.

When the town decided to rent out the space to a long-term tenant and community groups, it hired a Bourque Woodworking for renovations at a cost $38,755. The work included the installation of an accessible washroom.

Before the project began, building officials in Lambton informed the town there were changes to the building code for accessible washrooms. The town had to include electronic door openers with push buttons and a lock on the door, which required extra time to install, extra grab bars were required and the cost of framing, drywall and flooring increased because the bathroom was larger. The price increased to $48,140.

Work started in the Petrolia Line building in May was completed in early July. 

“During construction a few other change orders came up, two of which include fixing some plumbing pipe in the basement and the door in the front office,” wrote Julie Bullock, director of parks and recreation in a report to council. The final bill – $52,228.69. 

The town has secured a long-term tenant for the building who will pay $25,000 a year in rent.

Bullock says several community groups have already expressed interest in renting the community room. An open house to the property Dec. 5 attracted a number of people checking the new space out.

While there is income, the 2026 budget projects a $16,000 deficit which will be funded by taxpayer dollars Mayor Brad Loosley expressed home Monday that in the future the revenue from rentals will cover the full cost of the upkeep of the property.