Armstrong looks at ways to fund new City Hall

The City of Armstrong is considering a new city hall that could cost $4-million.

It’s only in the planning stages, and nothing has been finalized, but if it proceeds, it would be located on city-owned land on Bridge Street, across from the museum and art galley.

Armstrong’s current city hall is over 100 years old.

“The building has provided a great service to our community for the last 100 years, but we have to look to the future,” Mayor Chris Pieper earlier told Vernon Matters.

City council will discuss ways to fund the project at its meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 13) which could include applying for a federal infrastructure grant, using surplus funds, and borrowing up to $4-million.

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In a presentation to council last month, MQN Architects said the current city hall is lacking space with files overtaking offices in the older building, inadequate meeting spaces and a council chambers that is too small.

The draft plans for the new building would allow for future growth, additional office and meeting spaces, , dedicated file space, an IT server room, and a larger council chambers.

The reaction to the new building on social media has been mostly negative:

“Completely unnecessary and a waste of money that could be used on better things for the community,” said one person.

“Move in with Spallumcheen and end the double up,” said another.

Some people did express some support.

“They do need a new building, old one is falling apart. And cost probably included tear down, upgrading etc, yes 4 million is a lot but sadly at same time with prices of everything that isn’t a lot, ” said one person.

“I don’t disagree that our current city hall either needs to be completely renovated or rebuilt. It’s quite gross in there, I don’t envy anyone who has to work in there. But this is really, really excessive,” stated another.