Delays the norm at Capital Pointe
26-storey project remains little more than a hole in the ground
First launched in 2005 and approved by Regina city council in 2010, Capital Pointe, a hotel-andcondo complex is to be the largest structure in the city at 26 stories.
At the time it was scheduled to be finished by 2012.
Seven years, numerous setbacks and several developers later it is a big hole at the corner of Albert Street and Victoria Avenue.
Fortress Real Developments Inc. who now handles the project, posted a July update on its website stating, “Despite the poor weather conditions in Regina during the spring and early summer, which made the excavation of the clay material at the Capital Pointe site even more difficult, the progress has continued.”
This spring and summer saw drought-like conditions grip Regina with less than half the normal amount of rain falling. When asked by the Leader-Post about “poor weather conditions” Fortress responded over email stating, “Weather conditions during the early part of the year were far from ideal for work of this nature, particularly given the soil conditions that are prevalent down at a four and five storey depth.”
In November Fortress held a press conference to update on the project. At the time Jawad Rathore, president and CEO of Fortress Real Developments, said the project was about five weeks behind schedule due to unexpected delays in excavating the foundation for the building. But he was confident the large crane used for building the foundation would be in place by January — it is still not in place.
When asked about the current status of the project Fortress said it is now three to four months behind schedule.
The construction company has experienced delays at the site due to ground condition and debris from previous buildings.
When the city was asked about the project over email Louise Folk, director of development services said, Fortress was issued a permit for excavation and shoring in September, 2015 and had six months to begin construction with two years to finish construction.
As well, Folk said same as all construction projects the city is inspecting the site on a regular basis and following up with the developer about construction progress, site conditions and public safety.
Next door to the Capital Pointe project, at Bregg Cleaners & Tailors, owner Terry Thorsteinson has been watching the project drag on for years.
“Every time I talk to the city I get a different reason, that they’re working on different design or the shoring,” he said.
From what Thorsteinson can see there’s no work being done and equipment on the site is sitting idle.
“Whenever I go over (to talk to
Whenever I go over (to talk to the city) I just want them to fill it in and make a parking lot.
the city) I just want them to fill it in and make a parking lot,” he said.
According to Fortress, excavation work is complete on the fifth and final level of the underground parkade. Once shoring of the bottom is complete, concrete pouring will begin. The new timeline for the project to be finished is by spring 2019, rather than late 2018.