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The Citizen, 2018-6-21, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018. Cooper to pen Seaforth building pathology report By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East has authorized the hiring of Dr. Chris Cooper to produce a building pathology report for heritage buildings in Seaforth. Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley recommended Cooper's hiring at Huron East Council's June 12 meeting. Cooper has worked extensively with the municipality, producing videos for the municipality, advising on the recent Brussels project aimed at improving the appearance of main street buildings and assisting with the municipality's International Plowing Match display. He also recently launched a web -based television project, using Huron East as the subject matter for some of his first episodes. Hawley said that Cooper's report would outline: what type of work is needed, identify risks to the heritage fabric, address why it's critical to repair buildings on the streetscape, which type of professional skills will be needed in order to maintain the integrity of the heritage buildings, anticipate impact on different kinds of materials and attempt to reduce that impact, make use of appropriate materials and use an appropriate approach to restoration, reconstruction and the reinstatement of lost features. The issue was raised after the May wind storm that swept through Ontario. It caused significant damage to some of Seaforth's buildings, causing decorative molding to fall off onto the street. Hawley said that while thankfully no one was hurt, the loss of the building's cornice exhibited the fatigue of some downtown heritage buildings and the need to repair them. In her report, Hawley said that the pathology report would investigate and address the general repair and maintenance of heritage buildings both commercial and domestic in a sympathetic and sustainable manner. "The report will provide clear understanding of how each existing heritage building was meant to function prior to the modern age of construction (pre -1940) and how best to remediate problems without creating new issues to the historic fabric of the structure," Hawley said in her report. "Most heritage buildings function better with a full understanding of how they were originally built and how to make those systems work again to benefit the property owner." The report, she said, will include a "cursory pathology of each of the storefront facades located on Main Street South within the heritage conservation district" as well as a written report of the findings for each municipal address with photographs to clearly define the issues that need to be addressed. Councillor David Blaney recommended Cooper's hiring, saying that the municipality would be getting a "friends and family" rate from Cooper at $4,000 for the report. In addition to the need to maintain the town's heritage, several councillors were concerned about the liability of the generations -old buildings now that council has been made aware of their state. Councillor Ray Chartrand also said that the same could be said for the owners of the buildings once the report is produced and the information is passed along to them as well. Mayor Bernie MacLellan suggested a potential partnership with the Seaforth Community Trust if the property owners had to make improvements and needed funding. Council approved Hawley's recommendation. Treasurer Paula Michiels said she would be able to fund the report within the municipality's existing 2018 budget as approved earlier this year. An important journey The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics made its way through Huron County last week, with stops in Wingham, Blyth and Clinton before ending with a special barbecue celebration in Goderich. The annual tradition is celebrating its 31st year. (Denny Scott photo) An unreliable Internet connection is like being up a creek without a paddle. PLANS FROM $ 99 month Faster LTE Internet has come to town with speeds up to 25 Mbps!' Installation fees apply and vary by contract term, call dealer for details. Call 1-877-739-0684 to speak to a live agent or a local Xplornet dealer near you. LEA Satellite (519) 525-1176 SonX Plus Technologies (519) 273-7222 )(PLORNET Connect to what matters 1-877-739-0684 '$49.99 pricing refers to the package with speeds up to 5 Mbps. Monthly service fee includes rental cost of equipment, except Xplornet Wi-Fi Router. Taxes apply. Offer valid until July 31, 2018 for new customers and is subject to change at any time. 2Actual speed online may vary with your technical configuration, Internet traffic, server and other factors. Traffic Management Policy applies. For Traffic Management Policies see xplornet. com/legal. "Faster LTE Internet" means faster as compared to Xplornet non -LTE service. Packages subject to availability. A router is required for multiple users. Xplornet® is a trademark of Xplornet Communications Inc. © 2018 Xplornet Communications Inc.