Aug 29, 2008 - 02:01 PM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- A fence surrounds the front entrance of the Uxbridge Music Hall, wood and bricks scattered about waiting for a permanent home on the face of the building.

But on Thursday, Aug. 28, the contractor responsible for construction on the historic structure on Main Street South was nowhere to be found. Nor was a work crew visible at the site the day before. Or the day before that.

Meanwhile, groups are becoming anxious as they require the use of the hall in the near future. Nancy Einsmann of Uxbridge Dance Academy is scheduled to conduct a dance session in the hall on Saturday, Sept. 6, and she expects "at least 50 kids and their parents.

"I can't see any progress (on the hall)," she said. "No one at the (Township) has told me anything."

The contractor has been hired by the Township to re-point the crumbling brick and replace the accessibility ramp of the hall. Late last year, $40,000 was approved by the Township toward the work, with another $5,000 contribution from the Music Hall board.

But unforeseen factors have delayed the completion of the project, according to Township representatives. Tom Rance, chairman of the Music Hall board, said a tractor dug into the earth at the site, at which time it was discovered the foundation of the building was eroding and needed repair. "Salt is used on the ramp for ice control, and corrodes the (foundation) mortar," he explained. It made sense to fix the foundation while the ground was already churned, said Mr. Rance.

But the hall board chairman is concerned about the progress of the entrance work. "It's disconcerting, time is running out," he said.

Wynn Walters, a committee member of Uxbridge's Celebration of the Arts, seemed positive the job will be completed in time for a Motley Theatre play reading in the hall for Thursday, Sept. 18. But Mr. Walters did not comment on the matter further.

Michael Klose of the Township's building department did not return a phone call regarding the work on the hall entrance. Councillor Pat Mikuse, chairwoman of culture for Uxbridge, said "there's been a few snags... I can't tell you anything at this point."

But Uxbridge Mayor Bob Shepherd said he has passed by the Music Hall several times recently and has asked the contractor why the work is stalled. "(The contractor) is waiting for an oak sill for the door," said the mayor, admitting a sample of wood for a deck was dropped off to town hall some time ago and the contractor was awaiting approval from Township staff.

But the hired help has assured the mayor the job will be completed soon. "Apparently it will be done by Thursday next week," said Mayor Shepherd. "It's going to look nice when it's done."

Although the front entrance is not ready, there are stairs leading to rear entrances on either side of the building, Mr. Rance pointed out. But it's unknown if the relatively small side doors, and the lack of a ramp, will accommodate large audiences. Captain Ken Maynard of the Uxbridge Fire Department said the rear doors are intended to be used as secondary exits. If the main entrance is inaccessible it may limit the number of people allowed into the hall as per regulations, in case an emergency forces an evacuation, explained Captain Maynard.

Meanwhile, interior hall projects are on the go, added Mr. Rance. A fire curtain will be installed, sprinklers will be added to the boiler room, and wiring upgrades will be performed, he said, noting an Ontario Trillium grant was approved toward the inside work. But those jobs won't affect usage of the hall, according to the chairman. "That (work) will go on... maybe into next year," he explained.

The original Music Hall, built in 1865, burned down in 1893 and the new site opened in 1901.

As for the newly-renovated hall, residents such as Ms. Einsmann are holding their breath the work will be done in time for their activities. "I have no options," she said.