DELTA — The grand opening of North Delta’s expanded recreation centre is set for February, one year later than expected and $4.7 million above its original budget.
Delta council decided in February 2013 to approve a five-year financial plan to expand the recreation centre, at 11415 84th Ave., which had been built in the 1970s.
Delta’s Chief Administration Officer George Harvie said at the time that the intention was to keep up with the needs of a growing population and bring North Delta’s opportunities in terms of sports, recreation and cultural needs “up to a level comparable to South Delta.”
The expansion project was originally expected to cost $10.5 million and be completed by early 2015.
Construction began on July 7, 2014. Harvie indicated in a report to council on August 14, 2014 that the expansion, now 28,000 square feet, had a new budget of $13.5 million, “inclusive of GST.”
On Oct. 26, 2015 Harvie authored another report to council indicating the “Grand Opening” of the recreation centre will be in February, “and will be delivered within the $15.2 million budget.”
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson said the additional costs involved some structural changes, a parking lot, security cameras, more sidewalks, trees and other landscaping.
“I think it’s going to be lovely,” Jackson said.
The project now features a 6,000-square-foot fitness centre, a gymnasium, municipal business centre, meeting and social gathering spaces, and will also feature space for North Delta Potters, the Watershed Gallery and a large change room to serve the outdoor pool, gymnasium and fitness centre.
Jackson said some trades work took longer to complete than expected, lending to the delay of completion.
She likened the project to doing renovations on one’s own home. As one gets underway, Jackson remarked, you then realize, “I gotta do this, and this also.”
