Council to decide fate of former parks and rec building

Historic designation may have to be stripped

The City of Niagara Falls’ former parks, recreation and culture building on Lundy’s Lane could soon be demolished to allow for expansion of Lundy’s Lane Cemetery.

But to do so, the building’s historic designation granted in 2010 will have to be repealed.

The building’s fate will be the first item discussed at Tuesday’s city council meeting. A report prepared by staff outlines the demolition of the building — it has been vacant since 2005 — to make way for a gateway, memorial garden and columbarium (a structure to house cremated remains).

Mayor Jim Diodati says tearing it down not only removes a Lundy’s Lane eyesore, but an indoor columbarium would generate revenue for the city.

“This has been discussed for many, many years,” says Diodati, who used to work in the building in the mid-’90s.

“That building has seen better days. Back in the ’90s that building was a problem. It was constantly flooding, sewer backups in the basement on a regular basis.”

The building sits on a 0.2-hectare patch of land and has been empty since operations moved to MacBain Community Centre.

According to the staff report, the building at 7565 Lundy’s Lane would cost between $1.7 million and $2 million to renovate.

A recent inspection of the building shows “significant deterioration,” with water from a leaking roof compounding asbestos, lead, mercury and fungal elements throughout. Due to the water damage and bulging walls, a structural engineer could not do an assessment.

Diodati says it isn’t a “functional building,” and the parking lot on the corner of Lundy’s Lane and Montrose Road is a hazard for drivers to access.

In past years, council has looked at repurposing the building, selling it or leasing it, he adds. But nothing proved feasible.

Now, with it too far gone to save, enhancing the nearby cemetery may be the ideal solution.

Repealing its heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act would require consultation with the municipal heritage committee, and the public must be given a chance to comment or appeal the decision.

It is the second heritage building this year demanding council’s attention, following the decision to tear down the former courthouse and city hall on Queen Street. The difference, says Diodati, is that the old parks and rec building has “a lot less significance.”

He adds that council should take a “measured approach” with heritage designations, especially with buildings which prove too costly to save and can “handcuff” council.

“When we’re spending the taxpayers’ money, we have to justify every nickel,” he says.

“I cannot justify pumping in millions of dollars to renew a building that doesn’t have a purpose.”