Sylvan Lake town council approved a timeline extension for the Multiplex Redevelopment Project on Monday night, but not before some councillors voiced their displeasure with the delay.
Public works director Dave Brand told council various circumstances had resulted in delays in the project, which was originally slated to be completed by fall 2016. He requested that council approve an extension of the NexSource Centre’s completion date to February 2017, which Coun. Matt Prete immediately opposed.
“I think we’ve got to get after it and say no, and get this thing done on time in the time that we said we were going to get it done,” he said. “I’m not going to accept an extension at this point.”
Mayor Sean McIntyre added a contrasting opinion, nothing his feelings that work on the facility shouldn’t be rushed.
“Because we are now experiencing the consequences of work not being thoroughly done with the Aquatic Centre, I’m of the opinion that, with a project of this scale, it’s important to have the work done right,” he said. “In that respect, I understand the request to move the deadline.”
Coun. Dale Plante agreed with Prete, and felt there was still plenty of time for the project’s timeline to get back on track.
“When we wanted this whole thing, we looked at the inconvenience of it and the ability for our curling rink, our seniors and everybody planning for a certain window of time to get this completed,” he said.
Chief administrative officer Betty Osmond told councillors there were “some realities that are affecting the (project’s) schedule” that were beyond the Town’s control.
“We can go back and look at the implications and costs of staying on schedule, but we have lost time, and I want to stress there is no easy fix in terms of pulling up your socks and getting it done,” she said. “It’s not that type of situation.”
Councillors voted 4-3 in favour of a motion to approve the timeline extension, with Prete, Plante and Coun. Megan Chernoff voting in opposition.