This article was previously published on GuelphToday.
In the face of needed building reinforcements and equipment upgrades, the cost of adding a level to a Downtown Guelph shelter is nearing $5 million, up from the initially expected $3.94 million.
The financial update regarding Stepping Stone’s building at 23 Gordon St. was included in a report recently presented to the County of Wellington’s social services committee. It was delivered following a “series” of cost estimate increases realized since the project’s announcement in January.
Much of the cost increase, explained project architect Lloyd Grinham, comes from the building’s change of use. It was originally built to be commercial space, he noted.
“We have to bring it up to current code or seismic resistance (for residential uses) and that contributed in and of itself, about three quarters of a million dollars in those increases,” he told the committee.
Other building code issues need to be addressed, in addition to required upgrades to the heating and cooling system.
Details of the revised funding plan are set to be presented to county council on March 28, the report notes.
The project is expected to see a third storey added to the existing shelter building located just south of Nottingham Street, allowing for 24 new emergency shelter beds – bringing the shelter to 51 in all – and 12 transitional housing units.
It’s expected to be ready for opening next February.
The transitional housing units are to be built on the third level and, if needed, could be converted into another 24 emergency shelter beds.
