Residents weigh in on Melfort Water Tower options

In the end, 64 per cent of respondents did not prioritize investing municipal tax dollars into repairing the water tower, and 57 per cent supported its demolition.

“Based on the information that the City currently has available, the cost for a one-time repair and repaint of the water tower is anticipated to be between $300,000 and $400,000, along with allocating significant capital funding for repairs and repainting every 10 to 20 years throughout the life-cycle duration of the structure,” Lok explained. “Costs for demolition are equally expensive with anticipated costs to be pushing $300,000.”

The high cost of demolition is largely due to adjacent electrical lines, the small site in which it is located, and its sheer height.

Lok said should the water tower be kept and maintained as a municipal landmark, an annual budget for preventative maintenance would need to be established and implemented.

“In addition, significant budget dollars will need to be allocated for the repair and repainting of the structure every 10 to 20 years for the life cycle duration of the structure.”

As mentioned, the tower is in major need of some TLC. Lok said the wood cladding on the exterior frost shield and the wooden roof shingles have deteriorated, and water is leaking into the structure. The holes in the roof have also allowed pigeons to get inside. Both the water and pigeons are contributing to the rotting of the wood and the corrosion of the metal structure.

While a decision on the fate of the water tower may not be imminent, it is expected that city council will weigh the options as they consider allocating money for capital projects during budget deliberations, which Lok said are on the horizon.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Residents weigh in on Melfort Water Tower options

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