East Lions Community Centre back on track as city reaches new deal
In July the city dismissed the general contractor, citing contract issues
Work on the much-anticipated East Lions Community Centre is back on track after the City of London overcame, what it hopes is, the last legal barrier standing in the way of the project's completion, said Ward 2 Coun. Shawn Lewis.
Lewis said Zurich, the bonding company attached to the project, and the city reached a deal on Thursday that will allow workers back on site to finish construction.
"This was the best news I've received in a couple of weeks for sure," Lewis told CBC News.
"I feel the community's frustration with the delays because I've had a construction site right outside my home, but I'm really elated with the news ... and I'm really excited to see those folks come back to the job in a few days and get this finished."
Back in July, the city took over the construction site and dismissed the general contractor, Jasper Construction, from the $21-million project, due to what it called contract issues. At the time, the project was already a year behind schedule.
The 42,000-square-foot community centre on Wavell Street west of Clark Road first got underway in 2017.
Lewis, who last visited the site two weeks ago, said the centre is 85 per cent complete, with just the installation of hardwood floors to the gymnasium along with finishing touches left to do.
As a bonding company, Zurich's role is to ensure the community centre is finished. Previously, Zurich acted as the insurance company for the general contractor to ensure the contractor finished the project on time.
Lewis said since the centre is mostly done, instead of having Zurich bring in another tender process for a general contractor, the company will be directly handling the sub-trade contractors.
'A game-changer'
The community centre, intended to create an important community hub for the city's Argyle neighbourhood, has been in the making for more than 20 years, said Lewis.
"It's going to be a game changer for the community and not really just for Ward 2, but for folks in Coun. Salih's Ward 3 and Coun. Van Holst's ward 1 and even parts of Ward 4 with Coun. Helmer," said Lewis.
"This is going to benefit all of those residents for the first time ever."
The community centre will include two indoor pools, a gymnasium, multi-purpose activity space, community kitchen and artisan space.
"There's really going to be something for people of all ages and we're finally going to have that sort of unifying facility that creates a gathering space," Lewis said.
"It's something that we can really look forward to as we come out of COVID as a place where the community can rebuild and come together again."
Lewis said the city's project lead will be meeting with Zurich in the next few days to set up schedules to have sub-trade contractors back on site.
Despite only having finishing touches left, Lewis was hesitant to specify an opening date. He said the project has faced so many delays, the city will announce the unveiling when it's confident it has a firm date.