Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council has approved an extra $239,780 for renovations to the Coldstream municipal building.
A report to council at its September 17th meeting states: “As with any renovation project, unforeseen issues and conditions often arise once work is underway. These challenges are typically not visible or predictable during the initial planning and design phases, and can result in necessary adjustments to scope, materials, or timelines to address underlying structural, mechanical, or accessibility-related concerns,”
“It’s not bad on a renovation project of this size. It’s certainly more than I was anticipating, but it was quite the onion that we were unpeeling. We found some things that needed to be addressed throughout the project.” said Director of Community Services, Scott Mairs.
Mairs told council there were 104 change orders during construction that helped cause the cost overruns. “We are 12% over our original budget, which isn’t bad in the grand scheme of things. I think typically you’re at around a 10 to 15 % contingency for a project of this size,” said Mairs. “Although we are over, I’m certainly happy we were able to manage that. I think the building speaks for itself. We did a few additional improvements as part of this project. And I think that is money well invested throughout the project,” added Mairs.
Money for the overruns will come from the municipal Building Department Reserve Fund.
When asked if there’s outstanding work to be done, Mairs replied “There is some noted deficiencies we’re working through with the architect and the general contractor, but we’ll be living with those for the better part of the year. Things will pop up as they do. But overall, the building has been well looked after.”
Total funding for the project was approved by council in February of 2023 at just over $5.7 million.
Mairs has been a key member of the senior management team. But this was his final council meeting, as he is leaving the municipality to take up a position of Director of Public Works and Community Services for the Municipality of Central Elgin. He has been with Middlesex Centre for 13 years. “I’ve had a great opportunity to work with council in a very positive way and I appreciate the support you’ve given me and the department as a whole,” Mairs told council.
