Latest news with #structuralrepairs
CTV News
11-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Structural assessment report released on Elizabeth Ziegler Public School
Part of the exterior of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo appeared to be missing on March 4, 2025. (Dave Pettit/CTV News) The Waterloo Region District School Board released the results of its structural engineering assessment of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on Wednesday. The report detailed the extensive repairs needed to the Moore Avenue building, which was built in 1931, after months of testing and consultation. The board closed Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on March 3, citing concerns about the façade of the structure. Many of the students were transferred to Sandowne Public School to resume in-person lessons, while others attended classes in portables installed at Elizabeth Ziegler. On April 1, it was also announced the school would remain closed for the 2025-2026 school year. Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo A fence blocked off access to Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on March 4, 2025 due to structural testing. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News) Structural assessment The report from Witzel Dyce Engineering lists several concerns. In particular, the school needs a new interior steel frame to support the structure. 'The deterioration of the existing headers, roof joists and floor joists poses safety concerns to any occupants inside or around the building,' the report reads. 'Repairing the deteriorated structural members is a critical step to reinstating occupancy for the school.' Structural engineers also identified other issues, including cracks, corrosion and deterioration of building materials. Elizabeth Ziegler Public School Crews work on the outside of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School on March 12, 2025. (CTV News/Colton Wiens) It recommended the installation of additional foundations, removal of the roof to create proper drainage and replacement of window supports. 'After the steel frame is installed, the exterior masonry walls can be repaired, reinforced and restored,' the school board said. The report also included recommendations to bring to the building up to current code standards, including resistances to seismic activity and an elevator. The school board said the proposed repairs would extend the life of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School, improve future maintenance and ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. School board's decision The Waterloo Region District School Board said it will be moving forward with repairs to Elizabeth Ziegler Public School. 'We are working with the Ministry of Education to finalize the funding source and seeking approval for the restoration from the City of Waterloo, Municipal Heritage Committee and Building Services,' they said in Wednesday's release. The school board did not share the projected cost of the project. Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on April 1, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont. on April 1, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) What's next Several steps must be taken before construction can begin. The school board said a design report for the restoration and repair of Elizabeth Ziegler Public School will have to be presented and approved by the City of Waterloo Heritage Committee and Building Services. They also need to secure a funding source with the Ministry of Education. These two tasks must be addressed before the school board said it can provide a timeline for the project. Also, based on the amount of work needed, they reiterated that Elizabeth Ziegler Public School will not reopen in time for the 2025-2026 school year. The Waterloo Region District School Board said they will provide families with an update on June 25.
CBS News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Uncovered documents reveal decades-long structural issues as Modesto HOA pushes $4 million assessment
MODESTO — Homeowners at Walnut Orchards Condominiums in Modesto are facing a sudden $25,000 special assessment to repair structural issues with decks, stairs, and landings. But decades-old records show these problems may not be new. The Walnut Orchards Homeowners Association (HOA) claims the repairs are necessary due to age and deterioration, stating: "The property was built in 1981. There's no way we can confirm the maintenance performed since then." However, a 1996 engineering report obtained by CBS13 reveals that many of the same issues were already documented nearly 30 years ago, including rotted balconies, unsafe stair landings, and water damage. That report estimated repair costs between $2 and $6 million at the time. In 2019, the current HOA board approved a reserve study estimating most balconies had a remaining life of 25 to 30 years. That same board is now claiming that 77 out of 80 balconies need immediate replacement. Despite this shift, a 2025 budget disclosure filed in September 2024 stated no special assessment was anticipated and that reserves were sufficient to fund major repairs. Just months later, the HOA began pursuing a $3.96 million special assessment, with designs already completed and contractors reportedly selected. Monthly HOA dues have risen nearly 80 percent since 2020, from $325 to $582 per unit. But reserve fund health remains virtually unchanged, increasing from 26% in 2019 to just 26.5% in 2025. While the HOA claims 41.7% of monthly dues go to reserves, no documentation has been provided to reconcile that with stagnant reserve growth. Management company Common Interest, which oversees the property, maintains that the community has been regularly maintained. But a video filmed in April shows workers saying the roofs and gutters had never been cleaned prior to that day. One is heard saying, "By the looks of it, I don't think so." Some residents fear they could lose their homes if the assessment proceeds. Ballots determining whether the community will take out a loan to pay the assessment are scheduled to be opened on May 28. CBS13 has reached out to Common Interest and HOA board representatives multiple times since March but has received no comment.
