Town to proceed with arena addition after all
Town council has decided to proceed with an addition at Centre 2000 after all.
Citing an expected cost overrun of $182,409, Mayor Rod Finnie had suggested the project was in jeopardy.
But last week council agreed to proceed with the addition, which includes larger dressing rooms, more storage and a space for an East Wellington Community Services (EWCS) food bank.
Council awarded the tender for $1,234,441 to Kiwi Newton Construction, which was the lowest of four proposals received.
However, councillors also stipulated they would meet with Kiwi Newton officials, town staff and EWCS personnel to find some savings.
Finnie noted a particular concern is the EWCS food bank portion, which was originally estimated to cost $126,000 but came in at $230,000.
Previously town officials had planned to pay for the addition with $662,166 from a Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) grant and $331,084 from the hydro proceeds reserves.
There was no mention of from where any additional funds would come.
