Environmental Science & Engineering - www.esemag.com - January 2004
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Mould removal costs skyrocket at courthouse north of Toronto

Mould infestation at the Newmarket courthouse, north of Toronto, cost taxpayers almost one hundred times the original estimate. Jim McCarter red flagged the $23 million bill in the annual auditor general’s report to the Ontario government, released in November, 2003.

$250,000 was originally budgeted for the work but taxpayers had to pay another $20 million to relocate court operations to trailers in the parking lot when repairs went on for months longer than expected.

Karen Ras, spokesperson for the Ontario Realty Corporation, the government body that manages properties, argued the corporation was forced to respond immediately to 27 health and safety orders issued by the Ministry of Labour. Mould was discovered in the courthouse in March, 2000. The building was closed in June after several occupants, including judges, lawyers, support staff and prisoners, fell ill with ailments including headaches, dizziness and rashes. Some were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Repair work slated to take a few weeks in the summer of 2000 stretched out for a year. Ms. Ras said costs increased incrementally as workers realized the extent of the mould infestation.

In his report, Mr. McCarter dismissed excuses the crisis justified allowing costs to snowball.

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