Burlington’s council chambers getting a makeover

Upgrade to improve audio and video capabilities

BURLINGTON — Council chambers at Burlington City Hall is getting a makeover after more than 30 years.

The home of the city’s council and committee meetings is being renovated and retrofitted with major upgrades planned for its audio and video capabilities, according to city staff.

“Council chambers has not seen any major renovations since it was completed in 1985,” said Danielle Manton, the city’s manager of committee and election services.

“These changes to the chambers will allow for increased accessibility for residents, additional seating and improved video and sound quality for those watching at home.”

The City of Burlington provides a live stream for its council and committee meetings and then uploads a video recording typically a couple of days afterwards on its online calendar.

Demolition (through a $50,000 contract) of council chambers started on June 20 with the final renovation expected to be done by the end of November, city staff said.

In the meantime, all committee and council meetings are being held in Room 247, on the second level of City Hall, to the left of council chambers.

The room is currently being staged as the city undergoes the process of putting together a tender request for the detailed design and build, according to Kwab Ako-Adjei, who is the senior manager of government relations and strategic communications.

“We do not have that cost at this time since we have not gone out to tender.

“Once we award the contract, we will be in a position to share the total cost (of the project),” he said.

The renovation project will include refreshing of the interior space and furniture, additional seating and improved accessibility in addition to updating the room’s audio/video technology.