The two wall-mounted lights on the façade of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre have been there for decades and need repair, but the necessary parts to fix them have been discontinued.
Since the parts are no longer available, city administration recommended that both light fixtures be replaced altogether, according to a report. While the light fixtures contribute to the ambience and character of the building’s exterior, they are not considered a major character-defining element.
The planning and development services department believed that a variety of fixtures would be acceptable, but any option should have a globe. For the fixture itself, an ornate option would be preferred, but a simply option would be acceptable given the differences in cost. A colour of off-white was recommended to match the existing trim and other fixtures on the building.
Since the property is designated as a heritage property, city council has to give approval to any alterations made to the building.
During its most recent meeting, council voted 6-1 to choose globes that had a white colour with LED bulbs for $3,198.50 excluding GST and PST. Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed.
The motion came from the heritage advisory committee, which handles issues related to the community’s history.
Swanson had concerns about from which account the money was coming, saying it was also the account being used to fund the city hall elevator upgrade. He didn’t believe upgrading the Cultural Centre marquee or exterior was the same as the breakdown of an elevator or air conditioner. The few hundred-thousand dollars in that account was insufficient when the municipality has a building inventory worth tens of millions of dollars.
“The marquee upgrade is a cultural centre cost. We had this debate previously,” he said.
The account to which Swanson was referring is actually the facilities reserve, explained Derek Blais, director of the parks and recreation department. The account that is paying for the lighting upgrades is the capital account that is used for consulting and upgrading elevators. Emergency items are separate from capital, while the cultural centre has an equipment reserve that is separate from the capital account.
“I look at this building on daily basis. I did think about the marquee going up and how beautiful it looks,” said Mayor Fraser Tolmie, whose office faces toward the cultural centre. He pointed out the lights are exposed and, when the globes were removed, many dead flies were found.
Perception is everything, he continued, so to spend money on the building to make it look complete is a good thing. Tolmie believed residents were beginning to notice the new marquee and were impressed with its retro look, which helps maintain the heritage of the community.
“I’m glad this is getting done and that we would see the cultural centre be pristine and used,” he added.
Moose Jaw Non-profit Housing Corporation
Council voted 6-1 to approve a $2,500 matching downtown façade improvement grant application from the Moose Jaw Non-profit Housing Corporation at 136 Fairford Street West for exterior improvements.
Swanson was opposed.
The building now operates as seniors’ housing, but when constructed in 1909, functioned as a fire hall. It was designated a municipal heritage property in 1982. The fire department used the building until the 1980s when it was turned into a 15-unit seniors’ housing development.
The total project is expected to cost $5,000.
