The finish line is increasingly in sight for at least two components of the Credit Union CUPlex project.
The aquatic centre and theatre both are looking at substantial completion in May based on the latest CUPlex update on construction presented to council Monday by Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson.
The target dates have changed slightly from what had been projected last month. Completion of the aquatic centre had been estimated for April 30, but Anderson said that date may be pushed back an extra couple of weeks. A more likely date is May 15, he said.
That still doesn't mean the pool would be ready to open, Anderson said. They still have to do staff training, and the contractor has a month to fine-tune and make adjustments.
The substantial completion date of the theatre remains unchanged at May 25. Finishing touches would follow, said Anderson, so it would probably be later in the summer before it is ready for business.
Also unchanged is the estimated June 15 date for completion of the curling rink, but the field house's estimated completion date may also be pushed back a couple of weeks to Oct. 1 Anderson reported.
Anderson's latest update followed a March 29 site meeting, as well as some updated information he received earlier in the day Monday.
The major news from Anderson's latest report was confirmation that the two liens placed by a supplier on the title to the aquatic centre and field house have now both been lifted.
Contractor APM posted a lien bond on the theatre prior to the March 26 council meeting. Since then, contractor JenCol posted another lien bond on the aquatic centre to clear the lien there. Both liens are now lifted, said Anderson.
With the liens now off, the total commitment by the City is back to matching the gross value of the work done on the entire project. The gross value of work done to date on the theatre is estimated at $12.2 million, $15.8 million for the aquatic centre, $5.8 million for the curling rink and $5.3 million for the field house.
Anderson also updated councillors on where things stood with the construction of the four components.
He told council the theatre component is seeing significant finishing work done to the interior, from bathroom and light fixtures to painting in the theatre. The audience chamber is all but complete Anderson added.
At the aquatic centre, it continues to be a "big tiling project," as Anderson has said before. The major change in the past week has been the installation of acoustic panels that Anderson said have made a significant difference. As well, fixtures are going in and the slides are about complete, he noted.
At the curling rink and field house, winter heating costs are about complete. Anderson said they came under budget on the heating costs due to the mild winter.
He adds the ice slab contractor is on site and has begun putting in the base gravel that has changed the look of the arena portion of the curling rink. Anderson also said all the partitions are up on the main floor.
At the field house, installation of the deck at the running track is nearly complete, and Anderson noted about 40 per cent of the railing is in place. The winter heating is still running in that building, Anderson noted, so utilities can be installed.
"It's coming along well. Winter was kind and spring so far has been good," said Anderson.
Anderson also told council that the regular donor tours of the CUPlex components would be resuming Friday.
Reaction to the tours continues to be enthusiastic. One positive comment he heard from the previous tour was "pinch me, I don't think I'm in North Battleford."
