HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-64-82 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
HAMPTON, ONTARIO 1-061J0 TEL. (416)263-2231
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF MAY 3rd, 1982
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REPORT NO. : PD-64-82
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SUBJECT: KIRBY SCHOOL HOUSE MUSEUM
OUR FILE: 13.2
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and
Administration Committee recommend to Council the
following:
1 . That Report PD-64-82 be received; and
2. That the Clarke Museum Board be advised that
the Kirby School House has been inspected by H.
Wight, Chief Building Official for the Town of
Newcastle, who has confirmed the need for some
repairs and for additional inspection requiring
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a minimal amount of excavation; and
3. That the Clarke Museum Board be advised that
it would be appropriate for them to undertake
the necessary measures to have additional
inspection conducted and repairs carried out,
and that such works be accomodated within their I
own budget.
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Report No. : PD-64-82 . . ./2
BACKGROUND:
On March 22nd, 1982, the General Purpose and Administration
Committee considered a letter from Mr. B. Barnett, Chairman
of the Kirby School House Museum Board, which indicated that
a portion of the building foundation was in urgent need of
repair. Said letter also indicated a need for additional
insulation in the ceiling of the subject building, which it
was felt could be funded through a Grant from the Province
of Ontario.
As a result of the Committee's consideration, the subject
correspondence was referred to the Clerk 's Office for
investigation and further report.
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COMMENTS:
On March 30th, 1982, Building Department staff inspected the
foundation and attic of the Kirby School House Museum. As a
result of said inspection, it was noted that the east
foundation wall , being of stone construction and completely
below grade except at the south-east corner where it
projects about 10" above ground surface, contained a number
of stones which were loose due to the mortar having been
dislodged. Owing to the fact that the area below the east
two-thirds of the building is a crawl space and the
foundation wall at the east side is almost completely below
grade, the exact condition of said wall cannot be
established without excavation. In addition, a minimum of
8" clearance should be provided between the finished ground
level and the wood siding of the building in order to avoid
moisture damage to said siding.
Report No. : PD-64-84 . . ./3
The Building Department's inspection of the attic space
indicated the presence of about 9-10 inches of loose
insulation without a vapour barrier on the warm side. Staff
would suggest that a vapour barrier be installed to prevent
condensation rusting the metal ceiling in the school room,
and also that ventilation should be provided in the attic
space.
In this regard, staff have contacted Mr. Barnett, who was
under the impression that funding for the improvement of
insulation might be available through the Federal CHIP
program, which is not the case. Our own investigations have
indicated that there may be funds available for this type of
renovation under the Provincial Off-Oil Energy Program which
has, apparently, been amended to provide for this type of
work, in addition to conversion from oil energy sources.
Staff have requested that application forms and details of
the program guidelines be forwarded, but at the time of
writing we are unable to confirm whether or not the proposed
work would, in fact, qualify. In any event, should the
project meet the program guidelines, detailed cost estimates
will be needed in order to establish the extent of
Provincial assistance, if any, which might be available.
Based on the foregoing, it would appear that there is indeed
a need for repairs to the building foundation and that there
are certain other matters which require attention in order
to avoid further damage to the building. We must therefore
suggest that the Clarke Museum Board be advised that prior
to taking any action in respect of repairs to the building,
additional investigation is warranted, including minimal
excavation in and around the foundation wall , to establish
the exact condition and extent of any hidden damages, as
well as preparation of a detailed cost estimate for the work
being proposed.
Report No. : PD-64-84 . . ./4
We note, however, that funds have not been allocated in the
Town 's 1982 budget for such work, and that it would be
appropriate for the Clarke Museum Board to accomodate these
works within their own budget.
Respectfully. submitted,
T. T. Edwards, M.C.I .P.
Director of Planning
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April 8, 1982
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