Labourers blamed for rec centre delays
By Chris Simon

A two month Roofers Union strike and the replacement of several contracted labour companies are being blamed for the nearly seven months of anticipated construction delays at the Innisfil Recreation Complex, says a representative for the site's operations manager.

Gary Stanhope, from MFPM Property Managers, says the company is disappointed with the performance of several labourers originally hired for the construction of the $29-million recreation complex.

"There have been a number of delays on the project," he said, during a report to council last week. "We had originally hoped to be finished by now. But we can really look at three different items that have caused the delays."

Specifically, contracted painting companies have been replaced three separate times. But other factors, like the weather, have also played a role in the delay, he said.

"The roofers strike that occurred last year was very effective to our project; we were just starting the roof," said Stanhope. "Weíve had some weather problems, which certainly has played into it. Unfortunately, weíve had trouble with coordination with our general contractor and some of the more important trades. Some of the trades have actually had to be replaced. They have not performed; they did not do the work within the schedule they were supposed to. In some cases, theyíve been replaced more than once."

Construction on the recreation centre is now expected to be complete by mid-July, with the entire complex fully operational in August. The outdoor sports fields could even be open by late spring, assuming weather conditions are good, he said.

"Weíre hoping that by August weíll have the full pool facility open to the public, weíre hopeful the sports fields will be available in late May," said Stanhope. "If itís not too wet, we can start laying sod. Don't be surprised if within the next few weeks, you see all the lights go up around the soccer pitches."

The complex was originally scheduled for completion in November. However, only the centreís two ice rinks have been completed so far. Once finished, the recreation centre will also feature an aquatics facility, gymnasium, fitness room, and community space.

Stanhope says both the recreation centre and Town Hall are running on budget. The $10 million town hall will open early next month, said Stanhope.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on the town hall, and are currently installing furniture and lighting on site.

The town hall will have several upgrades over the current administration building. It will include handicap accessible council chambers with a 150 seat public gallery, three community meeting rooms, and a customer service centre near the front entrance. The third floor of the building will contain 1,000 square feet of extra space, which could be leased out to private business owners until the town needs to expand its offices.