Londoners heading to City Hall won't be able to get through the front entrance for the next five months.
Starting Monday, the Dufferin Avenue doors will be closed for repair. Visitors to the municipal building will be redirected to the north entrance located off Reginald Cooper Square.
The work, deemed essential, will see the current soffit demolished, the guardrail removed and the parapet wall of the above balcony extended. Mechanical infrastructure will be repaired and replaced, the canopy soffit installed, and an asbestos abatement conducted.
The new canopy soffit will offer enhanced lightning and updated security features. The estimated cost of the work is $338,700.
A report sent to the corporate services committee in January stated the repair and rehabilitation work is necessary after two separate leaks in 2019 and 2023 caused significant water damage to the soffit above the front entrance. A structural engineer commissioned by the city found structural concern with the soffit material and its connection to the main canopy structure.
While the front entrance work is being completed, vehicles will still be able to park in the front circle driveway, with minor intermittent impacts and a reduced number of spaces. The accessible parking space and access ramp will continue to be available during the repairs.
Signs have been erected to direct visitors to City Hall to the temporary main entrance.
City officials anticipate construction will be finished by July 31.
