Work began on upgrades to Victory Hall in Keremeos this week.

The first stage of renovations, at a cost of $78,500 is being done by Wilderness Exteriors of Kelowna.

Two layers of wood cladding are being replaced by a concrete composite known as Hardiplank, and pink insulation is replacing sawdust that was discovered in the lower walls after the exterior cladding was removed.

“The building was originally constructed in 1917,” said Charlie Westlind, Project Manager. “Hardiplank offers one of the highest R values for siding (R20) that you can get, as well as offering superior protection against fire.”

Westlind said that the six man crew could be up to a month with the renovations.

“It’s an old building,” he explained, “you never know what you are going to find.”

None of the old cladding has been salvaged.

Part of the work crew has a trailer parked on-site where they are staying as the work progresses.

An additional contract to begin renovations to the village office has been given to Complete Home Energy Limited for $42,401.

Only one labourer was hired locally to assist with the renovations.

“We had several prospects sent to us from the local Workzone office, but none of the others worked out,” Westlind commented, citing reliability and overqualification issues with the others.

Several Keremeos based contractors are upset that the village apparently bypassed them from the bidding process, saying that the village has no right to decide who is qualified - and who is not - to do the work.

“We emailed contractors who we felt were qualified to do the entire package,” (of renovations) Public Works Superintendent Bob Stanley said.

“Those who were interested submitted a bid.”

The tenders were submitted earlier this year.