Should KSS Be Saved?

Last week the former KSS site received a blow by vandals. The gas valve was shut off, freezing the sprinkler system and bursting large pipes.

Extensive water damage was incurred, and the cost to repair the destroyed system is guessed to range in the six figures. Despite the building being worth over $4 million, the city is grappling over the decision to keep it or not.

The building is fully covered by insurance, but the city will look at the impact on insurance premiums if a claim is made. It would be a substantial amount for a building with such an uncertain future.

There has been talk in the past of sprucing the place up to create a community-centre setting, an effort many feel beneficial to downtown. It was also built in 1938, giving the building heritage status.

Designers may soon be asked to put forth proposals for the site.

Read Last Week's Article and Watch Kelly Hayes' Video Report On the KSS Vandalism.