Brussels arena renovation, expansion nearing finish line
BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN
While the contingency fund for the project has been fully depleted, the renovated and expanded Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre should be open and reach “substantial completion” by the end of October.
Huron East Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts provided this update for council at its July 4 meeting. Council had requested an update on the project at a previous meeting. He told council that while the project itself should be fundamentally completed by the end of October, the ice surface should be ready to host hockey games during the traditional season starting at a point of late September or early October.
“The project continues to be posed with unforeseen challenges due to either unknown and undocumented existing conditions or unknown and undocumented construction methods used in the existing structure,” McRoberts said in his report to council. “While these circumstances continue, the magnitude cost of the required change orders has decreased.”
McRoberts noted three key issues that had arisen between March and June that have slowed down the project.
First, there has been the need for additional upper wall stabilization on the east gable end, similar to what was needed on the south wall. This cost an additional $19,628.10, according to McRoberts.
An additional $8,032.50 was spent when it was discovered that the upper ceiling area in the auditorium lacked necessary fireproofing and an excessive amount of grease in the sanitary drain plumbing lines needed to be removed and flushed, which cost an additional $5,154.60.
“Staff are still working with the project engineer on assessment of the long-term stability of the upper wall on the west gable end. The north side upper wall is not a concern, as its construction was of a different form,” McRoberts said in his report.
He also told council that, because the building is essentially enclosed now, work is progressing at a greater rate.
“While the project continues to be delayed due to the unforeseen existing conditions noted above, the contractor is now targeting the end of October of 2023 for the completion of work,” McRoberts said in his report to council. “As the building is substantially enclosed, work is progressing better. Work on the kitchen and existing lobby area is underway as per the original schedule, as it fits into the reduced need for access to the dressing rooms and ice surface at this time of the year.”
McRoberts told councillors that the $280,000 contingency fund for the project has been fully depleted and that approved change orders to date have totalled just under $350,000.
“We still have fixtures, furnishings and equipment (FFE) to account for that are not included in the original tender. Items that would be included in this consist of seating for the warm viewing area (included in the above total cost), furniture, tables and seats for the lobby, equipment for the concession, etc. While generally minor, these will need to be acquired on or before [the date that] the project is operational,” McRoberts said in his report. “Fortunately, the fundraising campaign was successful and portions of those funds will need to be used to offset change orders and FFE purchases above the original contingency fund. The total pledged through the fundraising campaign has exceeded $2.5 million, which is more than $500,000 above the original commitment of $2 million (less fundraising costs).”
McRoberts told council that, as of right now, the municipality is cash-flowing the project using working capital.
“Staff are in the process of securing a construction loan from Infrastructure Ontario to replenish the working capital fund. This construction loan will be transferred to a debenture once the project is completed. Staff have submitted progress claims with the province as part of the grant funding and those transfer payments are still pending,” McRoberts said.
McRoberts presented the report to council for information purposes and no action was taken as a result of the discussion.