Espanola Council approved the retrofits to the Espanola Public Works administrative building to meet an accessibility legislation deadline of Jan. 1, 2025.
Dave Parker, Superintendent of Public Works, told council costs have gone up for some of the construction, which is estimated at around one million dollars but will be less by taking $200,000 out of the reserve fund that was set up specifically for the project.
He adds frontline staff will be temporarily housed in the adjacent fire hall to allow access to the public.
Parker says the timeline is to award the tender by February 27th and begin construction in March with a final completion date by the beginning of October.
He adds the town was unable to source any grants or funding for the project.
