Urgent roof repair at Brockville Rotary building to cost city over $350K

A roof replacement project at the city-owned Rotary Building ballooned to over $350,000 after emergency repairs were needed to address extensive leaks caused by a winter snowstorm, according to a city staff report presented to the General Committee on Tuesday April 15.

The Rotary Building, constructed at 10 Gilmour Street in the late 1950s, was formerly used as a public swimming pool until the 1990s, but has since housed the Brockville Gymnastics Academy (BGA).

City staff expedited the renovation project—originally scheduled for summer 2025—after heavy snowfall damaged the building’s aging roof, causing water to leak into the recreational space leased by BGA.

As a result, the city invoked a non-declared emergency clause under its procurement policy to move quickly on repairs. Phil Wood, Director of Operations for the city, explained that the extensive leaks posed a risk to programming at the facility and necessitated swift action. 

The total project cost has now reached $351,026.55, exceeding the $275,000 originally budgeted by more than $76,000. The General Committee unanimously approved the additional funding, which is covered under emergency provisions.

The additional costs stemmed from unprecedented winter-related issues, such as costs for mitigation in the form of snow removal and working in cold temperatures. There was also the unexpected discovery of asbestos in the roof’s concrete slabs, requiring extra materials to meet safety regulations.

In response to the disruption, the General Committee also approved rent relief for BGA in the amount of $2,288.50 to offset revenue losses during the repair period.