Construction on the Trail Riverfront Centre is expected to resume in a few weeks.
The city’s David Perehudoff says an issue with the design and fabrication of structural steel has been resolved, so the the materials should be on site in late February.
The delay hasn’t led to definitive changes in project costs or date of completion at this point, however Perehudoff says the city is revisiting both matters.
“It is not clear if costs will increase as a result of the delay,” he said. “The city is working through the issue and hopes to mitigate any potential cost impacts.”
The primary exposure with construction delay is that the contractor (Ledcor Construction Ltd.) would have to remain on site longer.
“And there are associated costs,” Perehudoff added. “It is hoped that some of the delay will be recaptured once construction resumes.”
Additionally, there haven’t been any official adjustments made to the centre’s completion date.
“Practically speaking, it would appear as though occupancy will not occur until later in 2017,” Perehudoff clarified. “And this would mean that the public opening probably won’t occur until early 2018.”
In the meantime, he said the city is working on the development of an Integrated Service Plan to deal with “operational logistics and the provision of service when the facility is opened.”
Notably, municipal library employees are members of CUPE Local 2087 but employees with the Trail Historical Society are not - mixing the two into one integrated space does present some challenges.
“Recognizing that there will be somewhat of a merger between two different organizations – library and historical society,” Perehudoff explained. “ To assist with this process, the city has retained Rich Beauchamp and Associates (local government consulting firm) who are now underway and working on the development of this plan.”
Late last year, the city was informed of the problem with the structural steel design. Extra time was required to amend shop drawings so the metal could be ordered and fabricated.
The issue pertained to the size of the roof beams - the original design showed them as being continuous.
Given the size of the beams there was difficulty identified in terms of shipping as well as concerns regarding any potential deviations, Perehudoff said.
“That could have then impacted the roof in terms of connecting the steel panels and ensuring there were no issues with buckling,” he explained. “The design has been changed and the beams will now come in pieces and assembled on site. This issue could impact the final schedule and it is hoped if there is time lost that is can be picked during other aspects of construction."