Contractor wants to test HVAC units atop fire-damaged Paradise Town Hall
By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Tyler Waugh
Paradise council discussed a proposed change order at its September 1 committee of the whole meeting that would add some $42,500 plus tax to the cost of restoring the Town Hall and Depot building.
BELFOR (Canada) Inc. submitted the change order, which would increase the cost of the project to $3,439,543, plus HST.
Councillor Erin Furlong pointed out that even with the extra charge, the total cost would still fall within the combined project budget of $3.8 million.
“The proposed change includes the replacement of the subcontractor responsible for the depot demolition, modifications related to the installation of new exterior doors, and the addition of temporary measures to test the existing rooftop HVAC units,” Furlong said.
A portion of the proposed change order, approximately $27,000 worth, is associated with work required to complete the depot’s demolition. This includes reinstatement of interior test pits located adjacent to the exterior wall, cleaning the wall that separated the depot from the Town Hall, and installation of a waterproof membrane to prepare the wall to serve as a new exterior wall following demolition activities. The change order also includes approximately $15,000 to provide temporary power and related measures to test the existing rooftop HVAC units.
“Staff recommended this work as the operational status of the units remains unknown after they were shut down following the fire,” Furlong said. “Completing this testing during construction will allow the project team to identify any existing or fire-related deficiencies early and address them in a timely manner, reducing the risk of delays later in the project.”
Councillor Glen Carew thought it was prudent to ensure the HVAC system is operational.
“It hasn’t been on for quite some time,” Carew said.
The Town continues to work with its insurance adjusters to secure compensation for eligible redevelopment costs, including those required to meet current building code standards, stemming from the February 2025 fire that damaged the building.
Furlong added the contemplated change notice does not include any change to the anticipated project completion date, which is December 31, 2026.
Council is expected to vote yea or nay to the change order request at its next public meeting.