Report given to council on pavilion condition

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on December 13, 2023.

Herald photo by Al Beeber A preliminary report on repurposing the pavilions and other buildings at the Lethbridge Exhibition shows the structures on site are generally sound.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

A preliminary report on repurposing the pavilions and other buildings at the Lethbridge Exhibition shows the structures on site are generally sound.

Jason Elliott, Director of Community Services, told council on Tuesday that the cost of replacing essential components in the next five years would be about $1.6 million to address maintenance deficits and age-related needs.

Less critical needs such as parking lot resurfacing and lighting and the replacement of flooring and plumbing fixtures would cost another $6.4 million, Elliott said. And over the next six to 25 years, the buildings would require more investment in upkeep and renewals to a cost of about $30 million.

That money doesn’t include the cost of repurposing the buildings, Elliot said. The review was done on main, north, south and west pavilions as well as Heritage Hall and the Safety City buildings.

Council was told because of the new Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre on the Exhibition site, it might not be viable to retain the other structures.

The Exhibition approached a meeting of the Economic Standing Policy Committee, which includes all members of council, earlier this year asking for funding to demolish the pavilions. In May, an official business motion was brought forward to council by then Deputy Mayor Ryan Parker to investigate the repurposing of the pavilions for recreational space.

In that meeting, Parker told his fellow councillors that the buildings had been previously used for recreational activities and are owned by the City. He also pointed out there is a demand for more recreational space.

In a statement Tuesday, Parker said, “we will continue to do our due diligence with the investigation of these facilities. Having a clear understanding and detailed analysis of these buildings will help Council in their decision-making process.”

The City just received the report on the buildings last week.

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