A hiccup in the construction of the new Grovedale House in Kingsville.
The town had set aside $2.6-million for the build, but the latest update has the project coming in over budget at at $3.1-million.
Mayor Nelson Santos says work is underway to bring the cost down, but it could be a challenge as cutting corners isn't an option with essential work like electrical and roofing.
Local architecture firm Glos Associates is overseeing the project. "Their goal is to work within the budget parameters. Council has given them direction to come back with a game plan in terms of trying to manage the budget and still come in at budget levels if it's possible," says Santos. "Council has options in terms of the material that is being utilized. That's all going to come back to council for consideration in terms of monitoring the budget."
Construction began late last year on the Grovedale which will be located on the former site of the Kings Landing Restaurant on Park Street.
"Escalating costs are an unfortunate reality," says Santos. "We're surprised, certainly, by the numbers that were coming back from the tenders. No one is happy about having to pay more. Unfortunately, the change and transitions that we've seen with material costs and labour costs, that's a reality and we need to obviously work within those realities and certainly live within our means going forward."
An artist's rendering of the Grovedale House design option to replace the former Kings Landing restaurant in Kingsville. (Photo courtesy Glos Associates via Town of Kingsville)
The town wants to make the Grovedale a focal point on the waterfront to be used for theatrical performances, concerts and small conventions.
Santos says fundraising efforts are going to have to go into high gear. "We certainly want to make it as a showcase for the long term. Part of the funding components that we've been putting forward, a great amount is from community fundraising," he says. "So that's going to elevate the committee as well to raise additional funds. So that will pay into our final position on how we can bring in the project within our budget lines."
An updated report on the project cost is due back to council in July.