The full cost to replace the roof structures at Western Financial Place is estimated to reach $5.6 million, according to a report presented during Monday’s Cranbrook city council meeting.
The figure dwarfs an original estimate of $3 million that was projected by the City two years ago during budget discussions.
The report says the arena barrel roof over the ice surface is estimated to cost $3 million, while an additional estimated budget of $2.6 million will be required for the entirety of the roofing project.
The City recently began a project to repair and replace the roof structures for acquatic centre, lobby, patio and change rooms. That project, tendered out at $1.7 million, continues to move along as the roof is being stripped, and an estimated re-opening of the acquatic centre is set for Oct. 15.
The report notes that two change orders for the project has been received.
So far, the City says it will have spent $2.6 million on Western Financial Place roof repairs by the end of this year.
READ: $1.7M bid awarded for Western Financial roof construction
The project is being coordinated by Kevin Wilkins, with Building Consulting Services, who has been working with the City to identify issues with the roof structures as well as to propose options for repairs or replacement.
During a presentation to city council last February, Wilkins said his biggest concern was the arena parapets — where the roof structure meets the wall.
READ: Western Financial Place roof system needs repair, replacement
Wilkins is the fourth consultant to work on the roofing project in the span since 2016, with various budget estimates hovering around $3 million.
The entire complex features 16 different roof structures, with the restaurant roof getting replaced last year under the guidance of Wilkins.
Councillor Wes Graham likened the situation to a house renovation where unforseen circumstances drive up costs.
Paul Heywood, the Acting Director of Community Services, agreed.
“The advantage of BCS was to come in last summer and work on the restaurant roof— just one roof of the 16,” said Heywood. “What he found within the parapet walls — just in investigating the barrel roof, and other parts of the roof while up there working on the restaurant roof — he was able to make a better assessment of the roof than RJC [consultant] and IRC [consultant] and some of the others.”
The cost of fixing or replacing the Western Financial Place roof project was previously estimated at $3 million, according to a news release issued by the City last October before the municipal election. The same statement noted that the City “expects to alleviate the water issues” with the building, and projected a potential budget savings of approximately $2 million.
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