From infrastructure to facilities, the deficits just keep on coming.
After borrowing $32 million to deal with 11 infrastructure deficit projects, council Monday heard about the sorry state of some of the city’s facilities, which could cost $46 million over 10 years to bring up to snuff.
“After the analysis was completed, using the city’s predictive modeling software, BUILDER SMS and the projects found in the current 2019-2023 Capital Financial Plans (CFP), it was determined that Method 1 and Method 2 resulted in an average annual estimated renewal investment, over the next 10 years, of $4.6 million and $4.0 million respectively,” reads the Civic Facilities Renewal Strategy report, which recommends the Method 1 plan of $4.6 million per year. “This is in addition to the approved capital projects in the 2019-2023, such as, the Aquatic Centre renovations, Masich Place stadium renovations, Second Avenue Parkade, and various roof replacement projects. The approved capital budgets in the 2019-2023 Capital Financial Plans average an expenditure of $2.8 million over the next 10-years. The total annual
average renewal investment is $7.4 million.”
The report, if nothing else, highlights some of the work that needs to be done and includes some major work.
“The number that really stands out for me is the $11 million for the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “That’s a staggering number. Every year we invest a tremendous amount of dollars into that facility and we’re going to see more of that as our facilities age.”
The city has invested $1.8 million in the 61-year-old arena over the last 10 years on projects like the roof replacement and exterior upgrades. The $11 million worth of work includes replacements of components such as the HVAC system and the floor replacements, which add up to over $3.5 million alone. Some of the water piping in the foundation has failed recently and it is unknown whether the floor of the arena will last another five to 10 years, according to the report.
Kin 1 is relatively new and needs little work, however Kin 2 is Kin 2 is 45 years old and requires an estimated $2.4 million in replacements over the next 10 years. Kin 2’s roof replacement has been approved for 2020 for a total of $493,000. Also included in the $2.4 million total, is funding for an HVAC strategy to plan for an upgrade to its existing HVAC to condition the air and control humidity to reduce mold growth in its ceiling spaces.
Kin 3 is 44 years old and requires an estimated $1.5 million in replacements over the next 10 years. Kin 3’s roof replacement has been approved for 2020 for a total of $657,000. The skate floor replacement is also in the capital plan for $125,000 in 2020, but has not been approved for funding. Also included in the $1.5 million total, is funding for an HVAC strategy.
CN Centre needs about $1.4 million worth of upgrades over the next 10 years.
The three firehalls are in relatively good condition. Based on the condition assessments, there is
approximately $600k worth of repairs and replacements recommended over the next 10 years.
In the last 10 years the city has invested $2.6 million into the Aquatic Centre, including projects to replace mechanical and HVAC components, water treatment equipment, and energy improvements. The major components that require replacement in the Aquatic Centre are the building envelope, roof, wave pool tiling, mechanical equipment, and the parking lot. This work has been funded in the current capital plan for a total of $10 million and will commence in 2020.
The Elksentre needs about $1.3 million over the next 10 years.
The Prince George Playhouse needs about $668,000 worth of work over the next 10 years.
The Civic Centre needs about $2.7 million worth of work over the next 10 years.
And there are more facilities on the list. Council referred the report to its finance and audit committee.
