Having spent over 26 years in the construction industry, I see a few problems on the horizon before this even begins.The estimate budgeted for in May of 2009 was 4.1 million, 1/3 from city and the other 2/3rds from Federal and Provincial governments.
Watching the council meeting Monday evening, Mr. Commisso and Mr. Alexander already know this project will be over budget by approximately $500,000.00 due to an increase in the scope of work. That seems to be a given.
To put this information out in public makes no sense, the contractors who are on the bidding list are licking their chops right about now.
And yes the Library Board themselves is looking at raising $200,000.00 as they have now contracted/hired a Professional Fundraiser, as well I question why the library is a separate board in of itself.?
The only catch with all of this is that the project must be complete at the end of March 2011 to receive all the funding, however with the revised scope of work which includes a complete new parking lot for the adjacent community center, I believe that both city council and city management over looked the fact that you cannot pave a parking lot in March around Thunder Bay, the frost is not even out of the ground as well the asphalt plants are not even operating at that time of the year.
Sincerely,
Rick Henderson
Thunder Bay, Ontario