Mold overtakes Ottawa showcase pavilion

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Mold overtakes Ottawa showcase pavilion

United Press International*

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2008/02/11/mold_overtakes_ottaw

a_showcase_pavilion/4931/

OTTAWA, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A 7-year-old, $5.7 million pavilion near

the Canadian prime minister's residence is sitting vacant because

it's riddled with mold, the Ottawa Citizen reported.

The building served as the " Canada and the World Pavilion " with

various displays and exhibits but closed in 2005 due to public

indifference, the newspaper said.

The National Capital Commission oversees the building and tried to

lure Governor General's office to make use of the impressive and

picturesque facility at the confluence of the Rideau Canal and

Ottawa River.

However, an engineer from Public Works and Government Services

Canada examined the building and issued a warning.

" There is a high risk to the Crown (government) to proceed with this

project, " engineer ph Wong reported. " This facility presents a

risk for developing significant mold-related problems that can

induce allergies and other health and comfort problems. "

Wong said the area's high water table hadn't been taken into account

when the facility was built.

" This problem will never go away, " he said.