The Municipality of Casselman is launching a call for tenders to hire a contractor for repairs at 1 Industriel Street after discovering significant water infiltration issues at the building slated to be the new town hall.
The building, acquired by the municipality in July 2022 for $2.2 million, is experiencing defects in the “building envelope.” Specifically, the windows and doors are not properly sealed, allowing air and water to enter during heavy rains and potentially damaging the interior walls.
The building at 1 Industriel Street was purchased with the intention of relocating the town hall from its current location at 751 St-Jean. The existing municipal offices are deemed inadequate for the municipality’s growing administrative needs and present accessibility challenges.
Before purchasing the building, the Municipality of Casselman “conducted its due diligence” by commissioning a building condition survey report and a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. According to Mayor Geneviève Lajoie, the report did not reveal any water infiltration issues. These problems only became apparent after the acquisition of the building. Since then, the municipality has been working with engineers to assess the cause and extent of the water infiltration and to determine the necessary repairs.
The municipality has now issued a public call for tenders to address the issue, with the estimated repair costs expected to be disclosed after the tendering process concludes in early January 2025. This approach ensures fairness and transparency, giving all potential contractors an equal opportunity to submit their bids.
Casselman’s municipal council is committed to protecting taxpayers’ investments and is currently seeking legal advice regarding possible recourse for the undisclosed water infiltration issues.
The municipality is also working to foster trust with its residents, ensuring that the modernization project meets the community’s needs while upholding high standards of accountability.
