Delays and overspending plague some venues in final stretch
Pan Am officials say the $2.5-billion Games are on time and on budget, but a closer look shows significant cost overruns as contractors rush to get 31 venues in 16 municipalities ready for the big event, starting July 10. Here’s a look at where things are really at:
Tim Hortons stadium, Hamilton: On budget, not on time. There was a fixed budget of $145 million but is about a year behind schedule. Trouble getting materials and strained relations between the general contractor and the subcontractors have contributed to the tardiness.
Velodrome, Milton: On time but over budget. Difficulty getting wood from Russia and other materials drove up the cost to $56 million, $6 million more than estimated.
Centennial Park BMX Centre: Not on time and over budget. The estimated cost was $1.54 million but ended up costing almost $4 million. The extra cost involved turning it into a permanent facility for a growing sport.
Pan Am shooting centre, Cookstown: On time but over budget. The estimated cost was $3.68 million but it ended up costing $6.2 million, about $2.5 million more. The extra expense came from unexpected increases in construction cost.
Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium, York University: Not on time but expected to be under budget by $7.5 million. Original estimate was $52.95 million. Last-minute track work has delayed it.
However, not all is troubling news. Many of the other venues are on time and on budget or under budget to the tune of $56 million on the capital side, officials claim.