A local arena renovation is being put on hold due to the project being far more costly than originally planned.
Georgian Bluffs Council has deferred the renovations of the Kemble Community Centre following a costing update at their recent meeting. In 2019, the township received a grant from the province and the federal government to complete accessibility and energy upgrades at the arena, with the total project cost budgeted at $1.7 million. After delays due to the pandemic, the township held community consultations in 2022 to land on a detailed concept, with plans to post the project for tender with a goal of completion in 2023.
However, an updated costing report has revealed that due to construction inflation through COVID and additional work needed, the updated estimate for the renovation is now sitting at $5.7 million.
Council has decided to defer the project and return in the fall of this year with another update.
“We value investing in public spaces that support the social and physical wellbeing of the community,” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “We need to confirm we are looking at the right spot and the right product, making the best use of the funding available to last the next 30 or 40 years.”
More information on the Kemble renovation project can be found at http://www.georgianbluffs.ca/Kemblearena.