Oliver Town hall is slated to have its roof replaced, but council has postponed the project to evaluate roofing materials that replicate the historic characteristics of the building.
The town hall in Oliver needs a new roof, but council has delayed the project until 2017 to evaluate roofing materials to replicate the historic characteristics of the building.
Darren Bjornson, deputy director of operations, said roofing contractors are not in favour of using traditional cedar shakes anymore because the material is not suited to hot climates, and their life expectancy is only 15-20 years.
While the roof does not leak, some patchwork may be necessary this year.
It was noted that the Town hall is not a designated heritage site, however, it is recognized as having heritage value.
The Oliver and District Heritage Society notes the historic values of the Town hall and points out that the 1924 BC police station (museum) roof is to be replaced this year.
Heritage Society president Sue Morhun is strongly encouraging the town to respect the exterior integrity of its key historic structure by using the modern equivalent of the original roofing material (wood shakes).
“It is imperative that we do the right thing by the real thing,” she said.
The Town hall was formerly the South Okanagan Lands Project Office (circa 1921).
It functioned as the main office for the construction and management of the irrigation canal known as “the ditch.” It later morphed into a village and town office.
Council members agreed to look at some composite cedar shakes that will replicate the real thing.
Council also directed staff to carry over the 2016 roof replacement budget of $25,000 to the 2017 budget and allocate the remainder required in 2017 to $69,000.
