FAQs

This public engagement process follows the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) that was conducted in 2024 for a new City Hall and resulted in more than 2,100 electors opposing it.

Mayor, Council and Town staff have reflected on the outcome of the AAP and believe deeper engagement with residents about the replacement of City Hall is the best course of action. As a result, the Town has hired Ahne Studio to support community participation.

This is a once-in-a-generation project, and the Town is committed to transparent and thoughtful engagement, ensuring that the community is an integral part of the process. 

The current City Hall building on the corner of Roberts and Esplanade Avenue is over 70 years old and has exceeded its useful lifespan as a functional municipal building.

When City Hall was built in 1952, it was designed and constructed at a time when the town’s population was barely above 2,000 people. Since then, the Town’s population has grown almost five-fold and is expected to reach 10,125 people by 2030. And, just as the population has changed over the last 74 years, so have the needs and services that residents expect the Town to deliver.

Unfortunately, the existing City Hall building can no longer meet those expectations. Challenges and limitations include:

• Lack of sufficient space for staff to conduct work in a safe manner. The Corporate Services and Financial Services Departments cannot expand staffing levels due to limited space. Technology, Bylaw, Protective Services, and Engineering Departments have had to be distributed through various Town-owned buildings.
• The annual cost of housing the Town's Development Services Department at Roberts Street and Second Avenue is over $32,200.
• The annual cost of storing corporate files at an off-site location is $8,000.
• Council meetings can no longer be held in the chamber room, which was its original purpose. 
• City Hall is not accessible. While a ramp provides accessible entry at the building rear, there are numerous stairs inside. This makes is it difficult or impossible for some people with disabilities to access the front desk to make payments, etc. Washrooms are also not wheelchair accessible.
• Asbestos in the walls means that modifications are costly due to additional health and safety requirements.

The details of each option will be posted here soon!