Civic Centre Project at Design Completion Stage

By Kathy Sutherland

All systems are a go with your Colchester/Truro civic centre, with a great deal of activity behind the scenes and at the design stages

I am sure that most people have kept up with some of the recent developments with respect to the project, especially those things which are the most public.

One such story that stands out for me was when the Project Steering Committee (PSC) received word from the provincial government indicating that it is not in a position to fulfill its $10-million commitment to the project until 2017.

When this development was made public, a number of people questioned whether the project might be halted, but rest assured that we are continuing to move forward. While this was disappointing news for the PSC to receive, being potentially costly to the project, we came together and reaffirmed our commitment to the project and to the space programming which had already been confirmed.

I am happy to report that PSC members are currently working with the provincial government to resolve this timing issue, and to develop an agreeable payment schedule which will not compromise the project and will be mutually beneficial to all parties.

We are now in the detailed design process for the new civic centre, and while this is perhaps one of the most exciting stages, it is also one which requires a great deal of care and refinement to ensure that the final product will meet the needs of our entire community.  The design and construction committee are deeply involved in the micro-planning phase of the design process and are now considering mechanical and electrical systems such as the ice plant, electrical and heating systems and pool construction options to be incorporated into the centre. Initially, we had hoped to unveil final designs during public information sessions in June and July, but we now expect to deliver them in August.

Our construction managers, PCL, are finalizing the details of the Class B costing and designs. To clarify PCLs role in the project, they are responsible for design and building analysis, and management of the construction. In essence, they are the watchdogs for the project, ensuring that we receive the facility we have undertaken to build for our community at the cost we have agreed we can afford. Perhaps most importantly, PCL will continue to monitor project costs, will keep their fingers on the pulse of what is happening with the tradespeople who will be essential to the timely completion of this project and will co-ordinate tendering for the project.

As a sneak peak at where the committee is with respect to the design process, it should be noted that there have been a few alterations to the original space programming. Initially, it was anticipated that we would have a 3,200-seat arena. It has now been found necessary to reduce this to 2,600 to 2,700 because of cost and design considerations. I should note that for events and trade shows we will have the ability to accommodate upwards of 3,500 people. All other facility components are consistent with early designs and will be discussed in detail at the public presentations in upcoming months.

If you have any questions or comments that you would like to share, we can be reached through our website www.ignitethespirit.caor by email at ignitethespirit@colchester.ca