There has been “much progress” made on the $34 million Guelph Police Services headquarters expansion and renovation project since a new general contractor was brought on six months ago, says the acting project manager, though much of it behind the scenes.
“Initially the bonding agent was required to reconcile the accounts from the previous contractor and the sub-trades to determine what work was outstanding, what payments were required and create contracts with each of the individual sub-trades,” explained Ken VanderWal, acting project manager, facility design and construction, in an email.
“Given the duration and complexity of this project, there is a significant amount of records to be reviewed and paperwork that needs to be processed ... to ensure comprehension of the present status of the work as well as the full contract requirements for completion of the build.”
The project was already running behind schedule in late June when it was paused after City officials announced then-general contractor Jasper Construction was let go due to “serious” contractual deficiencies in the work completed to-date that had been identified but not rectified. Soon after, bonding agent Perini Management was announced as the new general contractor.
On-site work got back underway in November, about five months after it was stalled.
The expansion and renovation of police headquarters, located at 15 Wyndham St. S., began in April 2016. Work was initially expected to be done by spring of 2019.
“The City’s objective is to ensure that the construction is completed to the appropriate care and standards,” said VanderWal. “In terms of the overall schedule, this has yet to be finalized formally but the anticipation is that the project will be completed this summer.”
Early estimates put the project running about a million dollars over budget and that hasn’t changed, said VanderWal.
“We are working diligently with the bonding company to ensure all deficient items and the completion of the project is done within the existing project budget and current construction expenditures,” he said.
“The expectations on the overall project cost remain unchanged and as we continue to work through the final steps of this project it is possible there will be some minor financial adjustments required.
“The City is also still reviewing the ability to recover additional costs incurred.”
Included in the project are two new wings, including a four-storey structure intended for parking and future office space, as well as gutting and rebuilding the inside of the existing facility. The work includes enhanced security features, private interview rooms and a multi-function room for community use.
Five contractors have filed lawsuits against the City of Guelph and Jasper Construction collectively seeking more than $1.5 million for work associated with the project.
The lawsuits, filed between July 21 and Sept. 15, seek payment of alleged outstanding invoices for various aspects of the project including: architectural work, masonry, aluminum panel cladding, fire suppression, metal stud framing, drywall, acoustic tile and more.
“The bonding company is addressing these,” VanderWal said when asked about the status of those lawsuits. “We are unable to comment on legal issues at this time as City legal counsel is working to resolve these in keeping with the contract documents."
