UNB pays $160K to fix porch on president’s mansion

The University of New Brunswick spent $160,000 this summer to repair two porches and upgrade the water pipes heading into the presidents mansion on Frederictons historic Waterloo Row.

Somerville House was built on Waterloo Row in 1816 and has been the residence of Lord Beaverbrook, previous lieutenant governors and other prominent Fredericton residents.

The 196-year-old estate has been showing its age for many years and the universitys Facilities Management staff had put the building on its radar for repairs.

The upper and lower porches, which can be seen from Waterloo Row and overlook the St. John River, were of particular concerns to the universitys staff.

Documents obtained by CBC News through the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act show the university spent $160,401.52 on the renovation project this summer.

An invoice dated July 4, 2012, broke down the funds in three main categories. The construction costs accounted for $133,444.05, followed by $11,110.77 for funds paid to the universitys Facilities Management department and $1,846.70 for consulting fees.

As well, $5,000 was spent to remove and reinstate landscape, $1,000 was earmarked for an electrical panel and $8,000 was set aside for site costs.

Greg Carriere, a university spokesman, said the overall price tag for the porches may seem high, but it is in line with upgrades to historically and architecturally significant buildings, such as Somerville House.

"Anyone who understands a heritage property will understand this. There are some things that need to be done when it's a heritage property to meet standards and codes, Carriere said.

His assurances were not being embraced by one student leader.

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UNB pays $160K to fix porch on president’s mansion