Pool cuts no threat to project integrity

JOHN MOORHOUSE Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Penticton Herald:
Penticton city council continued efforts Monday to rein in cost overruns on the $23-million community centre pool upgrade - but says it will not jeopardize the overall integrity of the project. Council opted to divide a contract for pool tiles into two sections, as it awarded contracts totalling more than $768,000. The original contract to supply and install tiles for the pool came in $638,000 over budget. However, this will be reduced significantly by purchasing the tiles separately from the installation work. “Since June 10, the projected cost overrun for the project has been reduced to $343,000 from $1,060,000,” stated John Kirbyson, the city‘s director of parks, recreation and culture. “This is will result in fewer deletions from the project scope than approved by council June 14.” Coun. Judy Sentes said she has heard concerns from some people who fear the budget cutbacks could result in a marked reduction in the scope of the community centre upgrade. “There is concern in the community that - if these dollars are changing, is there in fact impact on the integrity and dignity (of the overall project)?” she said. However, Kirbyson said recent design changes have not altered the overall concept. “In going through that project, we‘re always committed to the core program which is upgrading a 25-metre pool, installing more family leisure components, improving our weight room,” he said. “We have not changed that essential program. We‘re still committed to that.”

Recent changes have been more esthetic-oriented, he said, dealing with such areas as the size of windows, the amount of hallway tiles and the building‘s front facade. Council awarded a $426,000 contract to supply pool tiling to VIP Tile Imports Ltd., plus a second $341,000 contract to supply and install pool “specialties” such as a waterslide, diving boards, rope swings and other features. Council voted 6-1 to award the two contracts, with Coun. John Vassilaki the only member opposed. Vassilaki and Coun. Mike Pearce both opposed the original decision to proceed with the project. Meanwhile, Mayor Dan Ashton said a special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening with the city‘s CUPE workers to discuss the staffing situation at the community centre. Council has yet to state whether the 36 employees laid off in March will be rehired once the facility reopens next spring.