The Glencoe Train Station will be getting a little bit of a face lift later this year. Southwest Middlesex assessed the current condition of the deck and supporting structure at a cost of $100,000, in which the report came back with a hefty price tag.
The ramp on the south side of the station does not meet the current Ontario Building Code, nor does it not meet the required minimum length due to the overall rise in height, in addition to the guardrails not providing the minimum distance between rails, they are not the required height and do not provide a graspable surface. The Deck is not fully fastened to the station and has a lot of deterioration, and the front stairs don’t meet OBC requirements. Council decided that over $147,000 will be moved from the Facilities and Recreation department to help pay the $222,635 it will cost to repair the train station deck.
The conclusions and recommendations made by Gray & Fick Ltd based on their observations were:
“Based on our visual observations, the porch deck requires replacement. Deterioration of the wood planking and steel framework supporting the planking would be deemed extensive for remedial work to occur when considering engineering and rehabilitation costs. The ramp and access pathway to the ramp require replacement and to meet minimum OBC requirements. Stair re-design should be considered to produce a more effective usage. Handrails for the ramp and stairs are required and to meet minimum OBC requirements. In consideration of replacement procedures, heritage aspects should be considered but not required based on the site not being a National Heritage site. To reduce liability risks, handrails around the outside edges, for the drop in grade to the porch deck elevation, should be considered. Barrier free access to the train station building should also be considered.”
The Tender for the required work will go to SDI Builders in the amount of $222,635. The work will start as early as this coming fall.
$147,419 will be taken from Facilities & Recreation to cover the deficit.
Reserve fund replenishment will be included into the 2023 budge for Council’s consideration.
Written by: K. CLose