New Mews Centre opening delayed for 4th time

The opening of a new recreation facility to replace the aging H.G.R. Mews Centre in St. John's is facing another setback.

Construction is finished, says St. John's Mayor Danny Breen, but malfunctioning mechanical equipment used to heat and cool the building is keeping it from opening.

The problem was identified in the fall, Breen said, but ordering replacement parts didn't fix the issue.

"We had anticipated that this process would be complete by this point, and that we would be accepting the building from the contractor by the end of the month," Breen told reporters at city hall on Wednesday.

"We're extremely disappointed by the delay, and frustrated, but feel it is critical to have this issue addressed prior to accepting ownership of the building and opening it to the public."

Breen said the city is working with consultants and the contractor, Lindsay Construction, to find a solution. However, he added, the delay means the building likely won't open in the next couple of months.

Plans for the $33 million facility were unveiled in 2021 with the original target date to open set for Fall 2023.

Breen said the project is on budget, but that the city would have to explore where additional funding would come from if the delay were to increase costs.

Breen said the delay adds to hurdles the city has faced throughout the entire process, like construction during the COVID-19 pandemic that caused delays in the supply chain and a labour shortage.

WATCH | The St. John's Mayor says he can't sign off on the building just yet:

More delays mean aging Mews Centre will not be replaced for months

20 hours ago

Duration 1:45

St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says there are issues with the mechanical equipment needed to heat the new community centre. The setback means programming will continue at the rundown H.G.R. Mews Centre in St. John's. The new building was expected to open in the Spring of 2023.

"We're all anxious. We're looking at this beautiful building, and it's a great building inside," he said.

"We'd love to have it open, but we just can't take ownership of the building on the advice of our staff until these issues are remedied."

Current recreation programs will continue to happen at the old Mews Centre.

Breen said that means residents should experience minimal disruptions as a result of the delay.

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