The Reeve of Hanover says renovations to the New Bothwell recreation centre will end up costing more than originally thought.

Stan Toews says the recreation committee took it upon itself to do some renovations at the centre. The committee had all of its permits and engineering in order but then during the renovations made changes to the plans without letting "the authorities" know. Then, when it came for final inspection, the work did not pass and the Fire Commissioner shut down the building.

Toews says recreation committees in Hanover have been asking for more autonomy. But he says that didn't seem to work in this case, and Hanover will need to take back more of that power. Council has stepped in on this matter and has decided to rectify the shortcomings. In order to properly complete what had been started and to finish off a few other upgrades, the municipality will need to borrow some money.

Council held a public hearing last month regarding a borrowing bylaw. Toews notes, if approved, they could borrow up to a maximum of $200,000. That means, for a home assessed at $250,000 an extra $135 per year over ten years.

"I think we will come in well under that," says Toews. "We should stay even under that one hundred fifty thousand dollars."

Renovations to the centre include roof repairs, as well as electrical, mechanical and structural work. But Toews says the items needing to be addressed in order to meet building codes include things like panic bars on doors, exit lights and an air makeup unit.

Toews says the general reaction is that residents want to see the work done sooner than later.

"The only thing is, when people walk into there they won't see a whole lot of difference because it's not cosmetics, it's all structural and mechanical," he says.

Some have questioned why a brand new building isn't constructed. Toews says just to put up a bare shell of the same size would cost $600,000.

The matter has been sent to the municipal board. Plans to borrow up to $200,000 have been met by objection.