The discovery of a string of unanticipated structural problems has pushed the estimated costs of renewing and rejuvenating the Creston and District Community Complex arena up by more than $1 million.
“We got lucky when we built the aquatic centre and upgraded the south portion of the complex,” Creston Mayor Ron Toyota said on Monday. “When we were building during the recession, contractors were scrambling to find work — that’s not the case anymore. We’re back in the real world now.”
Cost increases mean that not all portions of the renewal will be complete this year, though the arena is anticipated to be ready for use later this month.
“We will get us much done as possible within our financial limitations, but it could mean that things like the concession area are delayed,” he said.
Construction costs are only part of the budget overrun, though. A staff report to the Regional District of Central Kootenay board of directors says other factors contributed.
“The primary cause for the amended project budget is significant unknown structural, mechanical and electrical issues despite a significant structural review in 2006 and mechanical and electrical reviews done in 2004,” said the report. “These issues could only have been identified after demolition. The demolition revealed very poor workmanship and control on the original building of the community complex in the 1970s and building renovations completed in the 1980s and 1990s.”
When the original arena floor was removed, a belowground water flow was discovered, requiring significant mitigation efforts. A structural steel beam holding up the north end of the Creston Room did not extend the full length of the room, leaving contractors to wonder how the room didn’t collapse. Asbestos insulation, which must be removed from all construction, was found not only in the exterior concrete block walls, but interior walls, too. Holes had been cut into interior and exterior walls over the years, without regard for their effect on structural integrity.
The staff report explains the financial details: “[The] project requires an additional $1,090,462 for 2011 and referring some projects to 2012. Required project funding will rise from $2,511,452 to $3,601,914 for 2011 and remaining project items deferred to 2012 at an estimated $275,000. The 2011 and 2012 amended project estimates still include an approximate $224K in contingency.”
This week, the new ice-freezing system will be charged and, if all goes according to plan, ice will be ready for use on Aug. 25. New boards and glass are ready to install and the arena bleachers are being refurbished.
“It would have been nice to have new bleachers, but the cost of new ones just isn’t practical,” Toyota said.
Refurbishment will bring the structure up to current building code standards, add some seating capacity, improve handicap access and provide an emergency egress on the north end of the seating area.
“Because of the costs, the concession area probably won’t be finished right away — we will have to get creative to work these things out,” he said. “We will still achieve our original goal of turning the Creston and District Community Complex into a state-of-the-art facility that is the envy of other communities our size. And the entire facility will serve our community for the next 30 to 40 years.”