Renovations to the CPR Steamship building are running between $1.5- and $2 million over budget.
The cost overruns are accruing at the same time as a failed bidding process to lease the building threatens to leave it empty for longer than planned.
B次元官网网址淭hat is what I am concerned about,B次元官网网址� said Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. B次元官网网址淢y conversations with the (Provincial Capital Commission) will be, B次元官网网址榃hat are you guys doing to make sure there is not a long-term loss for the building?B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
Last month, the PCC rejected all three of the proponents that submitted proposals to occupy the building, at 463 Belleville St.
The Crown agency, headed by CEO Ray Parks, is now establishing a new process for leasing the building.
His goal is to select tenants by August.
B次元官网网址淭he timeline hasnB次元官网网址檛 changed,B次元官网网址� said Parks. B次元官网网址淲hat has changed is the amount of work I have to get done in the same period of time. You can bet weB次元官网网址檙e going to move heaven and earth here to get this done.B次元官网网址�
Depending on tenantsB次元官网网址� space-improvement schedules, the building should be open to the public sometime in 2012.
Renovations are also due for completion in August.
In November 2009, the provincial and federal governments announced a $3-million contribution to upgrade the building to modern earthquake standards. The March 2011 deadline was extended when work crews discovered more deterioration during the renovation.
B次元官网网址淭he issue was the floor,B次元官网网址� said Chong. B次元官网网址淲hen they ripped up the carpets and saw the floor was in really bad shape, there was no way they could just cover it up.B次元官网网址�
Chong would not confirm that the provincial government will cover the extra costs.
B次元官网网址淏ut it is a very important public asset, so itB次元官网网址檚 not like were going to let the floor deteriorate any worse than it is.B次元官网网址�
Meanwhile, Chong has agreed to have her staff B次元官网网址渓ook over concernsB次元官网网址� raised about the PCC by Bob Wright.
Wright, of the Oak Bay Marine Group, was one of three parties to submit proposals to lease the CPR Steamship building. He has accused the PCC of mismanaging the building and the request for proposal process, and claims his proposal for a high-tech exhibit highlighting B.C. history was rejected on faulty grounds.
Chong called the RFP process fair.
B次元官网网址淚t was open, it was transparent,B次元官网网址� she said.
Her ministry will examine the PCC B次元官网网址渨ith respect to the PCC board, but not with respect to the RFP proposal,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚f itB次元官网网址檚 determined that the board was within their right to put it through this process, that is something the board has the authority to do. I donB次元官网网址檛 believe IB次元官网网址檓 in a position to overstep how the board made that determination.B次元官网网址�
rholmen@vicnews.com
