Lennox and Addington county staff have decided to install two of six HVAC units at the John M. Parrot Centre (JMPC) ahead of schedule.

Six units are to be installed at the JMPC later this year, but due to the ongoing elevated temperatures and humidity, staff have decided it's in everyone's best interest to have two new units installed as soon as possible.

Record-setting highs experienced earlier in July are expected to be exceeded again, as some of the warmest temperatures of the summer are on their way this week according to The Weather Network.

Director of Financial Services Mark Day spoke about the urgency of the replacement and the plan for the other four units,

"We need these two replaced as soon as possible, and we're going to go with the tender for the four remaining," said Day.

This enhancement would help maintain the minimum temperatures outlined in the Fixing Long Term Care Act (FLTCA.)  As per the FLTCA, long term homes are required to provide air-conditioned buildings with temperatures set at a minimum of 22 degrees. Failure to ensure this could result in an administrative monetary penalty for the home, and possibly the county.

The original quote of $112,000 for the purchase and installation of the six HVAC units is expected to be within the 2023 capital allocation, as approved by council. Any type of penalty or extra cost could cause this amount to be exceeded.

The remaining four units will be installed according to the original timeline put in place by the county.

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