City seeks feasibility study on Millennium Library parkade

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This article was published 27/02/2022 (935 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg is seeking private help to determine the fate of the Millennium Library parkade.

Over the next decade, it’s expected to cost about $55 million to repair and maintain the two-level, 480-stall parking structure at 251 Donald St., the city recently revealed.

It’s now hiring a contractor to help determine how to address that hefty tab. The winning bidder is expected to complete a feasibility study by Oct. 31, with recommendations that council will likely consider by early 2023.

Along with that document, the city is now sharing a “condition assessment” it received last spring, which details the key issues.

Built in the 1970s, the structure remains safe, yet the assessment predicts it will need plenty of work.

“The results of the investigation indicate that the parkade structure is in fair condition (and)… it shows general signs of deterioration and requires attention,” an engineering report concludes.

The new feasibility study will explore whether it is in the city’s best interests to repair, replace or sell the parkade, or simply close and demolish it. It’s also expected to refine a cost estimate to complete initial short-term repairs, which would include steps to prevent further deterioration.

The assessment notes chloride contamination has significantly deteriorated the concrete of a structural slab, which engineers said should be fixed by April 2022 or no later than April 2024.

City documents note the parkade’s main ventilation systems are also in poor condition, while most electrical systems are original to the decades-old structure. Waterproof coating in mechanical rooms, vestibules and stairwells are also deemed to be in poor condition.

The feasibility study is needed to help council decide whether the city should invest in the repairs and keep ownership of the parkade, said Coun. Jeff Browaty, head of the innovation and economic development committee.

“Is there an opportunity to get the last little bits of life out of it or does it make sense to replace it sooner than later? Regardless, it is a lot of money… $55 million over 10 years. That’s certainly worth making sure we’re making the right choice here and getting more details,” said Browaty.

The North Kildonan councillor said ensuring the city-owned parkade remains open offers some municipal value, since its closure would raise demand for nearby surface parking lots. For many years, the city has been trying to reduce reliance on those outdoor downtown lots, deeming them a poor use of prime land.

Browaty said it’s also useful for the city to offer parking close to Winnipeg’s flagship downtown library.

However, it’s not clear how much parking demand and revenue will rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic finally ends, he noted.

Browaty and Coun. Cindy Gilroy said they would consider selling off the parkade, though both stressed they’ll wait for the feasibility study to determine how the city should proceed.

“Of course, we want to be making sure that people are parking efficiently, making sure we have access to our stores (and the library)… but should we be owning parking lots and parkades? That’s another question,” said Gilroy, chairwoman of the property and development committee.

The city recently completed $103,000 worth of “immediate repairs” at the parkade, which included the removal of loose concrete.

“The parkade continues to be safe for use and is not at immediate risk of closure,” city spokesperson Adam Campbell said in an emailed statement.

The City of Winnipeg hopes to award the feasibility study contact by May 20.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga