The cost and timeline for the 2021 Canada Summer Games were up for scrutiny again on Tuesday night as games society chair Doug Hamilton was grilled by city council on the details.
In earlier meetings this year, council has called for more insight into the financial dealings of the massive project after Thorold agreed to partner with the games with $5 million in addition to the regional- and federal multi-million dollar commitments that has gone into the project, in exchange for being able to use the facilities once the games end.
Council heard that the contractor hired for the construction of the actual Canada Games park, Brampton-based Aquiqon, has been awarded just under $86.5 million for that project.
Noted coun. Jim Hanley, that number differs from an earlier presentation in December, when the cost was roughly $6 million less.
"That budget was prepared by regional staff and not the games office," Hamilton said, pointing out that the final bid includes certain features not reflected in the December figure.
Hamilton assured councillors the project is running on the anticipated timeline and budget.
But some changes came to light during the presentation.
The original plan that was announced alongside the federal governments $29 million pledge to support the games, included a new Henley rowing center in St. Catharines and the building of a temporary pool that, after the games wrap up, would be transferred to the town of Lincoln for community use.
But on Tuesday night Hamilton said both of those projects might not happen as first planned, or in the case of the pool - not at all.
Hamilton said they are 'working through' those discussions right now.
"Our discussions with Swimming Canada, the swimming community and Lincoln is that it might not be the right thing to do, so we may change those plans. We might not have a warm-up pool, because we don't need one for the games and can accommodate the swimming anyway. It might not be suitable for Lincoln."
The rowing centre might be completed first after the games, as it is not necessary for the competitions to move forward, according to Hamilton.
"It is a project that we want to see, for the community and rowing community, but it does not need to happen for the games. So we are working through that and want to make sure we do that project well."
After the meeting, Hamilton said he understands the questions around the nitty-gritty.
"It is a community project, and it is important they know what is going on. We are fine with answering any questions."
Right now the work on Sir Isaac Brock way is focused on laying the foundation and working on the parking spaces needed.
Hamilton said the steelwork and foundations of the building will start becoming visible in the spring.
He is confident it will all work out.
"This is a facility that will be used by the entire community. It's got something for everybody."
EDITORS NOTE: The article has been updated to correct an incorrect figure of $7 million to $5 million
