Conservatory enhancements could cost city $2 million

The city could be on the hook for as much as $2 million to enhance the conservatory, even if contributions from senior levels of government are secured.

City administration pegs the total estimated project cost for upgrades “to address structural issues and to improve health and safety, accessibility and overall facility functionality for visitors and staff” at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory between $2.1 million and $2.7 million.

On Monday, council will vote on whether to make the conservatory the city’s top ask for the Ontario 150 Community Capital Program and to submit a funding application for the maximum of $500,000.

If council approves the resolution, it will be in addition to a request to the federal government under a similar fund, though there is less money available than previously thought.

Last year, the city submitted four projects to the federal government under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Fund. At the time, the city was told the program, which had $5.2 million allocated through FedNor, would provide maximum funding of $500,000.

However, the report from administration advises Ottawa has revised the program to one project per municipality with a maximum contribution of $100,000 due to the high number of applications “to ensure the program has the greatest impact on the largest number of municipalities through Northern Ontario.”

The city has not received confirmation on whether the federal application has been approved.

That means if both applications are successful, the city will receive only $600,000 through the two funds towards the upgrades.

The conservatory had previously been closed for more than a year, reopening in February 2013, due to concerns about falling glass. The city spent $76,000, which included installing a safety net, to reopen the main tropical viewing house but the east and west wings have remained closed.

The building, located on Dease Street, was originally constructed and opened in 1967 as a legacy project to celebrate the nation’s centennial anniversary.