Old town hall getting a police makeover
By Chris Simon

Innisfil council could be spending more money to convert the town's old administration building into a police station.

A town committee approved a plan to spend over $160,000 on architectural and engineering fees, which will help convert the old building into the South Simcoe Police's new North Division administration facility. If approved by council, the deal, which was brought forward by the architectural firm MCLA, would essentially jump start plans for the conversion the building once municipal staff move into the New Town Hall later this month.

The town has already allocated about $2.4 million in upgrades for the old office and the current North Division police station, said community services director Kerry Columbus in a report to council.

The upgrades are necessary, to meet the needs of Innisfil's growing population, and conform with current health and safety standards.

"In addition to the construction costs, there are permit costs, professional consulting fees, furniture fixture and equipments, testing, inspection, legal and surveying costs," said Columbus.

"(The architect) has indicated that they will work with the police department and town to help address these expenses, in order to get an overall cost."

Upgrades to the old building would include the construction of an elevator, barrier-free washrooms, and roof, door, floor, fire alarm and security system replacements.

Once the proposed project is completed, the police division's administration offices will operate out of the old town building, while the current North Division station would be used specifically for detention quarters and "uniform police functions". The current station is located adjacent to the old town building.

However, it would also need several upgrades, according to the architect.

MCLA had previously been involved in construction of South Simcoe's new South Division station in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

"A logistical and cost effective first step would be the appointment of MCLA as the architectural firm for the successful completion of the conversion of the existing Innisfil Municipal Office to a police facility," said Columbus.