The City of Orillia has some options with regard to remediation of the Orillia Opera House.
Craig Metcalf, Director of Culture and Heritage, says a structural assessment has turned up some foundation issues.
Specifically, the assessment found deterioration of mortar joints in the foundation walls – mostly due to the age of the building.
The report states the loose or missing mortar has reduced the wall’s load bearing capacity – though Metcalf says this does not pose any immediate safety concerns.
Other than that, the report identifies a very old building in need of some repairs.
Metcalf says Council will be presented with three different solutions to the problem – they range in price from roughly half-a-million dollars to just over one million.
Council will receive the report during Monday’s meeting.
However – it should be noted work pertaining to the Opera House could effect ongoing construction of the new library.
Should Council decide to go ahead with repair work to the Opera House – costs relating to library construction delays, opening delays, or Opera House cancellations or rescheduling will be outlined in an additional report.
It should also be noted that the assessment found no connection between the foundation problems at the Opera House and the construction activity going on behind it.
