Simcoe County is considering a $37.7-million expansion to its administration centre in Midhurst.

In a report to the county’s Performance Management Committee, the county’s purchasing and property director Dawn Hipwell noted the county will outgrow the building by 2011 – despite two modular buildings already on site and Springwater Township staff moving out next year to a new centre of their own.

She outlined four options, two of which focused on expanding the current building, constructed in 1972. The options both advocate new L-shaped additions, which would join together the wings of the existing building to create a more-modern building, add office space and create interior courtyards.

Done at once, the entire project would cost $37.7 million, but if the project were split into two phases – one in 2011 and a second in 2021 – the cost rises to $55.3 million.

A third option would be to construct a new building, at a cost of $109 million, or lease additional space, at a cost of $22 million.

“Something we’re going to have to face is the perception from the public that we’ve got the Growth Plan done and now we have to expand our building, when many of us in our own municipalities are far behind. We have a portable and don’t even have enough space for the office for the mayor,” said Tiny Township Mayor Peggy Breckenridge.

“We need to make sure if we’re building today for 25 years out, we have to make sure the ones moving here 20 years from now pay, not us.”

The county’s growth plan projects the area will reach a population of 667,000 by 2031; if the governance structure does not change, all those people will receive a variety of services, including social services, land ambulance, public health from the county.

The county is also looking to take a leadership role in economic development and advocating for the region with federal and provincial governments, to obtain support for industrial development and improving roads and other infrastructure.

The current admin centre is in “average” shape, as compared with buildings of similar age, Hipwell noted, but planning needs to begin on a long-term solution to accommodate the county’s staff, which is growing at a rate of 10 people per year.

The current building also desperately needs upgrades to its reception area, which does not easily accessible for those with physical disabilities. Barrier-free public washrooms need to be added to the council chamber area, as well as ramps to the main entrance. The county building also needs a public gathering space, so people can talk after meetings with politicians and staff.

Parking is already at a critical point; most of the centre’s 245 parking spots are taken by 225 staff.

When county council meets, it’s often difficult to find a spot; Breckenridge noted she has had to park illegally to attend a couple of county council meetings. Numbers alone show with 32 politicians, there are not enough spots to accommodate staff and county councillors, let alone members of the public who may be interested in hearing discussion on issues.

The committee recommended moving ahead immediately with expanding parking, at a cost of $280,000; county council must still approve the expenditure.

“This is the cost of doing business. We’re growing,” said Midland Mayor Jim Downer. “When land ambulance came aboard, that added 200 additional employees. We cannot park on streets or in other municipal lots. I have to drive around to find a spot. We should move ahead, and I’d support a new centre here. It’s the cost of doing business. We’re a growing county. In Midland, we’ve outgrown our building and we’re looking for a new one to commence (construction) next year.