Manitoba PCs call for review of IGF stadium construction
CBC News | Posted: April 24, 2015 5:05 PM | Last Updated: April 24, 2015
'We saw potential issues and we continuously flagged them,' says construction company president
Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives say a public review of the Investors Group Field (IGF) construction project is necessary and will reveal who is responsible for the various problems plaguing the two-year-old stadium.
Stuart Olson, the company contracted to build IGF, said a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging the construction firm did a bad job on on the build isn't fair, because they were simply following specifications from stadium owners.
BBB Stadium Inc. filed a $4.72 million lawsuit against Stuart Olson and architectural firm Raymond Wan last month to cover building repairs less than two years after the $209-million stadium opened.
BBB Stadium Inc., is a consortium representing the Winnipeg Football Club, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.
On Friday, Stuart Olson president David LeMay said it was "deeply disappointing" to hear comments made by government officials that were critical of the company's work on IGF.
"In almost 30 years in this business, I've never had to hold a press conference to talk about a project," LeMay said.
LeMay said Stuart Olson crews were rushed but followed approved building plans to a tee, adding the company also discovered issues in the process of building the stadium that were brought to the attention of BBB.
"We brought our concerns to the attention of the owner," said LeMay. "In the case of this project, over 500 different information requests were filed - access to the roof, heating for piping, concrete. We saw potential issues and we continuously flagged them."
LeMay said if the owner wants to change their design plans, that's up to them, but Stuart Olson shouldn't be held responsible for following orders.
"If they want to build something different, if they want something installed differently, that is their prerogative and we're not involved in that work," said LeMay. "We're not involved in the changes that they're saying are required."
Meanwhile, the province's Progressive Conservatives called for a public review of the project Friday. stating the public has a right to know what led to the problems facing the stadium.
"If things were fast-tracked for political reasons, it will come out in independent audit," said PC Heather Stefanson. "Something went wrong here and if you care what Manitobans want, you will [Premier Greg Selinger] call for an independent audit to get to the bottom of the questions."
Selinger wouldn't comment in detail on the matter, instead favouring to play up the positive impact the stadium has had on Winnipeg.
"What we need to know is that the stadium is serving the community very well," said Selinger. "It's going to do these world class events and generate great economic benefits as well as cultural and sporting benefits to Manitoba, and we'll let those matters sort themselves out"
But Selinger also said if the auditor general was convinced a review was necessary, that option is on the table.
Triple B cites drainage problems, poor insulation, cracking concrete and a host of other issues in its suit against Stuart Olson and Raymond Wan.
Stuart Olson responded with its statement of defence as well as a cross-claim against Raymond Wan Thursday.