A rehabilitation project on the city-owned Hart House will cost more than originally expected.
At the Sept. 30 meeting, Burnaby council approved $295,000 under an existing construction contract, which was originally valued at $210,380.
"The Hart House is a city-owned designated heritage building and over time, rehabilitation projects are planned to preserve the building character and correct any building deficiencies," stated Leon Gous, director of engineering, in his report to council. "For 2013, a rehabilitation project was commissioned to repair the exterior envelope of the building."
Reconstruction included the decorative stucco, concrete and wood architectural elements at the front north tower and at the lakeside sunroom at the building's rear, according to Gous.
On May 3, 2012, council approved the reconstruction plan and awarded the contract to Rogad Construction Co. Ltd. for a value of $210,380.
"Following the removal of the existing stucco at the front of the building, it was discovered that there was significant deterioration of the wood frame structure that would require extensive structural reconstruction," he stated. "While the contract built in an allowance to deal with some anticipated structural reconstruction, the extent of hidden damage could not be foreseen."
After reviewing the issue, it was determined an additional $70,000 would be needed.
The additional cost was already budgeted in the 2016 capital plan, according to Gous, but will be advanced and included as part of the current project.
Funds required for the additional scope of the project will be redirected from other 2013 capital plan projects, including the deferral and re-budgeting of the Anderson House exterior painting project that was planned for 2014.
