Future of courthouse still unknown

The jury is still out on the future of the Vernon courthouse.

The province says it has spent $500,000 so far on repairs to 105-year-old building after water and mould damage to several rooms caused by a faulty air conditioner back in April.

“The approximately $500,000 expenditure includes the remediation costs and it also includes the fitting out of the two temporary courtrooms, some demolition and some asbestos abatement work,” said the Ministry of Citizens’ Services in an email to Vernon Matters.

The damage led to a temporary courtroom being created, and a second courtroom and additional washroom facilities should be completed by late September.

Engineers have completed a detailed structural assessment, looking at the long term for the structure.

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“The Ministry is reviewing the report to establish the extent of the damage, options and recommendations,” said the government.

The estimated cost of the repairs required won’t be known until the process is complete.

“At this time, water damage, minor structural deficiencies and mitigation of any possible mould concerns are being prioritized and addressed. The services of a geotechnical engineer are also being used to determine the state of the soil conditions around the building,” said the ministry.