North Frontenac officially opens renovated Township office

Craig Bakay | May 30, 2018

The days of moldy walls and electric heaters under employees’ desks at the North Frontenac Township building in Plevna are officially over.

Last Saturday, they cut the ribbon on the newly renovated building.

“When we did an analysis in 2015, we concluded that the working conditions in the building were no longer tolerable,” said Mayor Ron Higgins. “Previous councils saw this coming and set up reserves.

“Coun. Denis Bedard took the lead and we looked at various options including a new building, renovations with an addition and/or a new garage.”

Higgins said the final cost of the building was $1.3 million with just over half of that coming from a loan and the balance from reserves.

Higgins praised the work of contractors Guy Saumure and Sons saying “not only was the work completed on schedule, it came in under budget,” and project architect Larry Gaines.

CAO Cheryl Robson praised the work of Treasurer Kelly Watkins and Community Development Manager Corey Klatt “for keeping us in line” and the rest of her staff “who had to work through the mess” before thanking Council.

“I think this building is a reflection of the progress we’re making in North Frontenac,” said MPP Randy Hillier.

And everybody acknowledged Coun. Gerry Martin for being the driving force behind the post and beam entrance.

One aspect of the new facility that may not be readily recognizable is the fact that the new Council chambers features excellent acoustics.

Architect Gaines said while he was cognizant of the desirability for good acoustics, he didn’t really break any new ground, just used techniques he’s picked up over the years.

“The acoustic tiles help a lot and concealing duct work and cabling in the drop ceiling around the edge also help as well as providing a spot for drop lighting,” he said. “A carpet could also help but that would make the floor harder to clean in the winter.”

One last thing — the building was originally a ski factory, owned by Francis Manion in the ’60s.