Yukon city faces $38M deficit for rec centre construction

by arslan_ahmed | December 22, 2023 6:00 am

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Dawson City, Yukon, is facing a budget shortfall of $38 million for the construction of a new recreation centre, according to a report presented to the city council at the start of December.

According to a report by The Hamilton Spectator[2], the initial estimate for the project is approximately $100 million, while the Yukon government committed $65 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Community services minister, Richard Mostyn, clarified the $65 million was intended for a facility with an ice rink, a curling rink, and a concession stand—not the expanded design presented in the report.

The report further states the proposed facility includes various amenities such as a skating rink, curling rink, gymnasium, fitness centre, and more. The alternative of repairing the existing Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre, built in 2000, has been under discussion, but its structural damage and rising maintenance costs pose challenges.

The report also highlights that Paul Robitaille, the city’s parks and recreation manager, mentioned the uncertainty in salvaging the current Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre building and rising construction costs across Canada. Mostyn has emphasized the need for cost-effective plans and operational sustainability. The city council has discussed options in a later meeting, considering potential sources for additional funding to cover the shortfall. Despite the challenges, Mostyn aims to go to tender in 2024 with construction scheduled for 2025.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/news/yukon-city-faces-38m-deficit-for-rec-centre-construction/

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