Auditors to look at cost overruns for Laval arena

Quebec's Municipal Affairs Minister Sylvain Gaudreault is sending two auditors to Laval to investigate cost overruns for a future arena.

The original estimated cost for Laval's new Place Bell was set at $92.6 million, but the cost is now expected to reach $150 million.

"We want to make sure that this important project for Laval be done by the rules," said Suzanne Proulx, Parti Québécois Member of National Assembly for Sainte-Rose.

Based on the new costs, Laval taxpayers will have to contribute $73 million – more than double the first estimate of $30 million.

Robert Bordeleau, leader of the Parti au service du citoyen de Laval, said there are lots of questions about the overruns, but the city of Laval isn't answering them. 

Bordeleau said the city should open up a new call for tenders.

"It's up to Bell and Québécor to fight for the Laval citizens' well-being. The less it costs, the better it is for the city's finances," he said.

Neither Evenko, the company overseeing the project, nor Mayor Alexandre Duplessis have returned calls placed by Radio-Canada.

Gaudreault asked that the report be handed to the government by next week.