More stadium problems

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Another day, another delay at Tim Hortons Field. It comes just one day after building inspectors were on site doing what many were hoping would be a final tour of the multi-million dollar stadium. But problems with a section of the stands have triggered yet another delay at the Pan Am site.

It was supposed to be ready last June, but it wasn’t. Then we were told it would be ready for the much hyped Labour day classic between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argos, it was, or at least parts of it were? The Ticats were able to play 7 games at Tim Hortons Field but most of the concessions and public areas were off limits.

The building was far from complete and the city would not get it’s long awaited occupancy permit. That was supposed to change Monday when after 10 months, inspectors were once again on site for what was hoped would be a final inspection. It wasn’t.

The problem this time involves the east stands. The caulking between the slabs has been removed and it all has to be redone. That should take another week. At that time the city’s building inspectors will have to come back, inspect the building and hopefully deem it fit to be open to the general public.  The bottom line the occupancy permit is still pending.

Government officials have made assurances that taxpayers will not have to pay for any cost overruns but not everyone is so confident. “There’s no question the body responsible for any costs overuns would be the contractor.” Says Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development.

“I would ask Mr. Duguid what is he going to do when they go back to France.  Is he going to try to retrieve money from an international court. I think he’s going to have problems with that.” Paul Miller NDP MPP

Miller also says the millions the province was withholding from the builder will be handed over now that the stadium has been deemed 99% complete.