City Hall Restoration Project Will Continue This Summer
Fredericton (February 7, 2011) – Work on a $1.5-million project to conserve and restore Fredericton’s 135-year-old City Hall building is expected to resume later this year.

The City received a report in June 2009 that outlined the scope and cost for the work needed to repair the Maritime’s oldest City Hall still in continuous use. The work will include joint reinforcing, masonry repair, below grade excavations and waterproofing as well as foundation wall stabilization, restoration of the exterior windows millwork and repairs to roof drainage.

In September 2010, City Council began the process by awarding an $86,252 contract to Jones Masonry Ltd. The company worked throughout the fall of 2010 to address the deterioration of the building’s brick and sandstone masonry, primarily on the river side of the building.

Council has applied for matching federal government funding through Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program and, if its application is accepted, the City will be able to complete the restoration in three years instead of four. A decision on the City’s application is expected in April.

The City is currently preparing a scope-of-work document that will allow interested contractors who specialize in historic masonry work to bid on the large project to be completed in 2011. The City is also considering a restoration and renovation of Phoenix Square, the fountain and the concourse area around City Hall once the building is repaired