Sarnia issued an emergency purchase order for the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre after some brickwork bowing on the building’s southwest corner, creating a potential safety hazard.
“There is a concern that with weather, with changing conditions, it needs to be dealt with sooner than later,” said Alan Shaw, Sarnia’s planning director.
A temporary fix has been done but a complete repair of the brick parapet and roof replacement will go to tender in the spring.
“You can’t do one without the other,” said Shaw, who estimated the total project cost at $275,000.
The former Lochiel Street School was purchased by the city in 1985 to serve as a community centre. The century-old building is home to 10 organizations and used regularly by groups and service clubs.