Legal issues with a contractor and "unfortunate delays" have led to Penticton council being asked to spend more than expected for repairs to the King's Park Sportsplex.
Municipal politicians on Tuesday, June 18, will be presented with a staff report that calls for the installation of a new insulated roof at the facility, which is mainly used for indoor soccer. It is located at 550 Eckhardt Avenue.
The proposed upgrade project -- which city staff say will extend the life of the Sportsplex by at least 15 years -- was supposed to proceed in 2023.
Issues with the contractor, “including a failure to attend the scheduled delivery and installation," led to legal intervention and delays, according to city officials.
With $300,000 remaining in Pentincton's capital budget for the repairs, council is now being asked to provide an additional $580,000 to make the project a reality.
“The roof of the Sportsplex needs repairing, as it continues to leak and is simply coming to the end of its life,” said Kelsey Johnson, the city’s director of community services.
“This project has taken longer than expected, with some unfortunate delays, but the option of new fabric and insulation will provide users with a safe and dry facility for years to come.”
After its issues with the original contractor, the city says it was forced to find someone else to install the insulated roof.
But Johnson noted that new potential contractors were unwilling to provide a warranty for material they didn't provide.
Proceeding with the work without a warranty, the director of community services adds, "is not a responsible use of taxpayers dollars."
"Our focus was on how we can extend the life of the facility and provide a proper environment for user groups and that's why we're recommending a new contractor supply material and also install insulation," Johnson said.
"The Sportsplex is an integral part of the community and we believe this to be the most effective way to move forward and ensure the site’s continued success.”
Council will vote on whether to fund the replacement of the roof fabric, including the purchase and installation of the insulation, when it meets on June 18.
The project would be included in the 2025 budget year and funded in the city's 2025-2029 Financial Plan.
