City staff updated the Committee of the Whole that renovation work at the city building is nearing completion and proposed publicly sharing photos or a video slideshow and holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony once the final work and handover are complete.

A staff member described ongoing work — painting, new flooring, HVAC and security upgrades — and said the effort included energy-efficiency improvements and functional upgrades that go beyond cosmetic changes. The presenter said the construction team will provide professional photos and a video slideshow, including drone shots, to document the project from start to finish for residents. Council members suggested publishing photos or a video on the city website and discussed timing for staff moves and a potential public ribbon-cutting event in September.

Why it matters: staff emphasized that the renovation addressed long-standing mechanical, security and accessibility needs in a building described as several decades old; they said the project should reduce energy use and modernize staff workspaces.

Details from the meeting: staff said much of the work remains in final finishing — painting and flooring — and estimated handover and full staff moves in September (staff said timing depends on internal logistics such as clearing storage containers and IT cable work). The presenter said HVAC accounted for a large portion of project cost and that bathrooms in the basement were original to the building. Officials discussed producing a compiled photo/video showing the project evolution rather than weekly updates so residents can see the full scope of the work.

Discussion vs. decision: This was a staff report and discussion only; no motions or formal actions were taken. Council members asked staff to provide photos or a short video for the city website and to consider a ribbon cutting when handover is complete.