The issues that have slowed down the Credit Union CUPlex construction appear to be firmly in the rear view mirror.
That was the message Parks and Recreation Director Keith Anderson had for members of North Battleford's Parks and Recreation Committee March 19.
His report to the committee did not have much new news from the report he had given to the whole council the previous week, based on his March 1 site meeting.
However, Anderson did tell the committee many of the issues that had bogged down the project in recent months were either resolved or close to it.
One issue that had caused much of the delay was the departure of one of the electrical subcontractors from the project, to be replaced by a new subcontractor. That held up electrical work at the theatre and also affected the new aquatic centre.
Anderson told the committee the issues with the electrical subcontractor at the pool and theatre "had been resolved." Anderson noted much progress has been made on the electrical side.
Anderson also addressed the issue of the liens that had been placed on the theatre and aquatic centre titles by one of the suppliers.
That came about because, he said, the "electrical contractor that went into receivership needs to come up with some money to pay one of their suppliers."
However, Anderson told the committee he expected the liens to be cleared last week, with a lien bond used for that purpose.
He called the lien situation the "biggest hiccup" on the project, but "work is proceeding regardless of that hiccup."
Substantial completion dates are April 30 for the aquatic centre, May 25 for the theatre, June 15 for the curling rink and Sept. 15 for the field house.
While those are "substantial completion" dates, it was emphasized at the meeting that there will still be a period of time after those dates before the projects are fully completed and ready to open.
The aquatic centre would likely be looking at late June before opening, Anderson said. He also expressed confidence to the committee of no further major delays to the expected timeline there.
Anderson was also quick to dispel what he called the "rumours" spreading around the community about the CUplex project. One rumour he heard last week was that the project now exceeded $100 million.
"Totally false", said Anderson. He said at the meeting the project was on budget and work for the project was "within the five per cent contingency".
