The B.C. legislature is looking at a $250-million bill to make the repairs necessary to the historical buildings.
The 118-year-old buildings are apparently in great need of renovations. A 2005 engineering report said the structure is at high risk of collapse, even in a moderate earthquake.
Other problems include lack of sprinklers, out-of-date fire detectors, plumbing issues and inadequate emergency exits.
Despite the urgent need to repair the legislature, the government is hesitant and has deferred maintenance out of fear of backlash for investing so much money into the buildings, particularly when other places might need it too.
As a possible solution, B.C. is considering soliciting private donations to pay for the upgrades, hoping citizens will want to help fix the buildings in exchange of charitable tax credit.
The legislature was built by English architect Francis Rattenbury in the 1890s. Construction lasted four years, opening its doors in 1898.
Although construction was over budget by $400,000, Rattenbury became very popular. He went on to work on other well-known sites, such as the Empress Hotel in Victoria, the Art Gallery in Vancouver, and the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff.
He had a tragic death at age 68, when he was murdered in England by his second wife’s lover.
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