City of Powell River Council is directing staff to apply for a grant to help pay for the demolition of the caretaker’s building at Timberlane Park.
At the April 17 city council meeting, councillors heard from chief administrative officer Lisa Bhopalsingh, who said council had a decision to make around a budget amendment to allow for the demolition and removal of the caretaker’s building at the track. She said the written report to councillors provided a brief explanation of the condition of the building following the departure of the full-time caretaker in 2023.
“Due to some water damage to the building, it is rendered not usable and beyond repair,” said Bhopalsingh. “Upon analysis by staff, this building is not currently needed, so putting money into replacing it is not considered a wise operational decision at this time.
“You can see the recommendation before you would allow, if council permits, for us to apply to the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (MIABC) for a grant for up to $22,850, with the remainder of the money to come through our asbestos assessment and abatement fund.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said the building, as far as she recalls, is fairly new, and she didn’t believe there was any asbestos in it, so she would be concerned that all the buildings that do have asbestos in them will have to be remediated in the future, and the funds won’t be available.
“Could we comment on whether there is actually asbestos in this building?” asked Elliott.
Bhopalsingh said the building, despite its appearance, was built in 1975, so it does contain a significant amount of asbestos.
Councillor Jim Palm said with the elimination of this building at the track, he believes that the washroom facilities will remain. He asked if that was correct. Bhopalsingh said that was correct.
Council unanimously carried a motion to apply for a grant of up to $22,850 from MIABC, and that council direct staff to amend the city’s 2025 financial plan bylaw to include a $35,000 special project to remove the caretaker’s building from Timberlane Track, funded by the asbestos assessment and abatement project for $12,150, and MIABC.
According to a staff report, in July 2024, it was discovered by staff that a water leak had caused substantial damage to the building, making it unusable. The report stated that the building in its current stage is a potential liability and needs to be demolished as soon as possible. Staff secured a quote from a qualified contractor to demolish the building and safely dispose of any hazardous materials.
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