well this is a good start...
Bloated budget could sink pool
Queen E reconstruction may cost a king's ransom
Gordon Kent, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Tuesday, March 20, 2007
EDMONTON - The future of Edmonton's oldest outdoor swimming pool is once again on the bubble after the cost of reconstructing the facility came in 50 per cent over budget.
In 2005, the city narrowly approved a $4.1-million overhaul of the crumbling Queen Elizabeth pool, following public pressure to redevelop the river valley site instead of covering it with grass.
The project was put out for bids last October, but only one company responded, engineering services director Ron Chomyc said Monday.
Council had agreed to spend $4.1 million to overhaul Queen Elizabeth pool.View Larger Image View Larger Image
Council had agreed to spend $4.1 million to overhaul Queen Elizabeth pool.
John Lucas, the Journal
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While he couldn't release detailed information, he said the proposal received in February was about 50 per cent higher than the budgeted amount.
"We're over budget on that, but we're over budget on most of the projects, if not all the projects, we're doing."
Staff might try over the next few weeks to negotiate with the company or reduce the amount of work requested, to cut the price, Chomyc said.
With the local economy sending construction prices soaring, the Queen E pool has joined a long list of plans councillors will have to reconsider this spring, probably starting in April.
The pool work could be postponed or stopped entirely, recreation facilities services manager Rob Smyth said.
"Depending on what the numbers are, 'Is it a worthwhile project?' is the first question," he said.
"Do you want to wait awhile and see if costs come down, do you want to change the program a little bit ... or should it be cancelled?"
The pool, opened in 1922, has been closed since a major crack in the tank allowed all the water to leak in September 2003.
The new egg-shaped design includes a concrete pool built in curving lines with a "lazy river" where people can float in an artificial stream, a large shallow section featuring a sloping ramp for easy entry and three 25-metre swimming lanes. A tiered wooden deck, tot pool and hot tub also are planned. Work was expected to start this summer and be finished in 2008.
"If projects are tendered and come in slightly over the budget, there's a higher likelihood of them proceeding," Smyth said. "If they're extremely over, then you have to question the whole project."
John Stobbe, vice-president of the Friends of the Queen Elizabeth Pool Society, hopes the city begins the revamp as scheduled. "It's a wonderful setting. Summer is short -- why would we give up that wonderful type of experience?"
One money-saving option might be to do the project in stages, Stobbe said. His non-profit group will try to raise funds from the province or private donors to make up any shortfall, and he'd also like to see if volunteers could erect the facility in a "community building bee."
However, Smyth cautioned additional money will be needed quickly before the tender offer expires.
Although neighbourhood groups usually put up playgrounds, he's concerned about legal liability and finding people with necessary skills to construct something as big as a pool. "Playgrounds are fairly simple to build. This is a major construction project. I'm a little skeptical it would be feasible."
gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2007