The Town of Tecumseh has approved $3 million for an expansion and renovation of its Town Hall building at 917 Lesperance Road.

The building was last renovated in 2005, but in the intervening years, the town has outgrown its space. The scope of work on this project, which is being led by general contractors Elmara Construction, will see the construction team expand the building on its south and east sides to accommodate staff, create a larger space for council chambers, add a self-service kiosk in the lobby, and install a new building automation system. Council chambers will also have cameras and audio installed to begin live streaming of meetings.

Construction is expected to begin this month and wrap up next summer.

“I’m excited and I know our staff is excited to see more room and improvements to the building,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “When the building was expanded in 2005 we knew it had a life span of 10 years. Almost 15 years later we have reached maximum capacity and my Council colleagues and I agreed we needed to expand and improve the building for our residents and staff.”

“We are looking forward to the start of the project,” said Chief Administrative Officer Marg Misek-Evans. “Progress will depend on weather but the project is expected to take up to 10 months. Town business will carry on during that time with temporary accommodations made for some staff and meetings. Any changes to meeting venues will be advertised. We look forward to working with Elmara to get started. “

The temporary trailer currently located in the parking lot will be moved west of the existing trail off McNorton Street for construction use and the parking lot entrance off McNorton will be fenced off for materials delivery and construction off the back of Town Hall. Preparatory work will include temporary relocation of customer service staff from the front entrance off Lesperance Drive to Council Chambers.