Police chief sets record straight on insulation issue

Belleville’s Police Chief says the story of an uninsulated north end wall in the new police headquarters has taken on a life of its own.

Mike Callaghan appeared on the Lorne Brooker show Thursday to clear up some of the confusion.

Chief Callaghan says the former CAO never ordered insulation to be removed from the building.

“Somewhere along the line, my comment that my request for the insulation had been removed from the design phase ended up being translated into that there was insulation removed from the building. That is not the case ever. Ever, ever, ever.”

The chief says, during the design stage, he asked that the north side of the building – the former utilities building – and the south side addition all have the same insulation and siding for a more uniform look.

Recently he told council that request was removed because the city decided to keep the current facade of the old building to save money and that’s where the mix-up started.

He said they are looking at several solutions and believes the job can be done for less than the current $300,000 estimate.

“And, we’re also bringing in some experts to ensure that the rooftop heating and cooling units are, number one, doing what they were designed to do mechanically and, secondly, to ensure that they’re operating at their peak efficiency for both heating and cooling.”

Chief Callaghan says the insulation was considered adequate at the time but it is clear now that it is not.

Those working in offices in that area of the building have had to wear winter coats and boots during colder weather as frost sometimes develops on the walls.

It’s also created a noticeable spike in the utilities bill.