The St-Albert Community Centre’s aging elevator will remain a point of discussion during future budget deliberations, following the council’s unanimous adoption of a recommendation to review the situation further.
At the October 21st council meeting, a report detailing the challenges of maintaining the aging elevator at the St-Albert Community Centre was presented and the recommendation to revisit the issue during upcoming budget deliberations was adopted without discussion.
According to the report, prepared by Acting Recreation Director Justin Lafrance, the elevator has become a financial burden for the recreation department, costing a total of $10,736 over the past three years. The costs have steadily risen, with $2,325 spent on repairs in 2022, $3,414 in 2023, and $4,998 to date in 2024. The single company capable of servicing the unique system has provided nearly $5,000 in unbilled labor hours, but has indicated that all future work will be fully charged, further increasing the financial impact.
Replacing the elevator has been estimated at $50,000, a significant capital investment that could reduce long-term repair costs. The council will weigh the decision during budget deliberations, balancing the expense with the need for accessibility. The elevator is vital for several key users of the facility, including La Corde à Linge and the St-Albert Library, which rely on it for moving equipment and ensuring access to all patrons. Discontinuing its use would pose challenges to maintaining the facility’s accessibility, potentially undermining community goals.
The recommendation detailed in the report was approved without discussion. The council’s decision to defer further discussion indicates that the fate of the elevator remains uncertain, but the financial and accessibility implications will play a critical role in future considerations.
