Halifax Armoury use restricted due to lead contamination

High levels of lead contamination detected in the HalifaxArmoury have forced some military groups to leavethe building temporarily.

The "high level of lead contamination"was found Nov.13 in paint onthe drill hall's floor,spokesmanLt.KellyBoyden said Thursday from Ottawa.

The 116-year-old stone building at the corner of North Park andCunardstreets is home to several military reserve and cadet units.

The base surgeon has restricted use of the building "to ensure the safety of all personnel,"Boyden said.

"Soldiers cannot perform drill movements on the main floor area, but office workers in annexes are safe to occupy their workspaces,"he said.

Groups including the Princess Louise Fusiliers infantry unit,two cadet groups, and the 1st Field Artillery Regiment use the building every week.

Boyden could not say wherethese are now based.Crews are working to remove the lead, hesaid.

"Once testing confirms the removal of all contamination, things will return to normal,"Boydensaid.

In 2010, the Armoury's basement was put under quarantineto clean up high levels of lead and asbestos from a closedindoor firing range.

Last month the Department of National Defence sought bids to make major cosmetic and structural repairs to the building's west-facing wall. Those are estimated to cost around $15-million, according to an advanced procurement notice.