Slab woes

Long term care home construction work must be demolished and rebuilt

Another infrastructure project is running into construction issues. The new 160-bed long-term care home in Picton is midway through construction. Framing is up, much of the groundwork is complete, and the project is still on track for a potential opening next year—though delayed from the original March date.

The project, however, has not gone smoothly.

According to a report by Colliers Project Leaders, the management consulting firm overseeing the work on behalf of the County, the project has endured “serious challenges” with the project contractor.

“Surprises. Extras. Delay claims,” cited Michel Carrier, a principal at Colliers. “We are pushing back. But we’re also preparing if it escalates as we near the end of the contract.”

To that end Colliers has brought lawyers on board—to access them if needed.

The biggest issue so far concerns the quality of a massive slab that connects all three structures. The slab failed compression testing, done by a third-party company. As a result, the entire slab must be demolished, dug out, and replaced. That work is underway now.

“A miss like that should never happen in a construction project like this, especially by experienced professionals,” said Mohamed Jaber, of Colliers.

Yet it has. It is likely to push the opening day out.

According to the managing consultants, the construction contractor is on the hook for replacing the large slab.

“All the demo work, design work and replacement is on them,” explained Jaber.

But Councillor Brad Nieman worries the contractor may yet seek payment for this error later in the project.

“We have some money set aside for negotiation,” assured Carrier.

Several council members expressed weariness of yet another big municipal project going pearshaped.

“I’m not really impressed with what appears to be a lot of problems,” said David Harrison, councillor for North Marysburgh. “That does not look like a smooth project.

Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer pressed the point.

“You are telling us that these are contractor issues,” said the Wellington councillor. “Isn’t that why we hired your firm? To ensure it doesn’t go off the rails?”

The management consultant said they were doing their best.

“We’re managing the contractor,” said Carrier. “There is only so much a management contractor can do. When the contractor makes mistakes, like the slab error, and they complain that it’s raining out. We can’t control that. All we can do is deal with it as best we can. We are staying on top of the budget and the schedule. I am not sure there is more that we can do.”

Councillor Kate MacNaughton extended a more forgiving approach.

“Fortunately they caught the problem,” suggested the Picton councillor. “We are understanding the gaps in our procedures.”

Yet another opportunity to learn.

The good news is that—so far—the budget remains largely intact. About 10 per cent of the $11 million construction contingency has been used. Still, the better part of a year and 50 per cent of the work remain before completion.

Councillor Harrison strongly urged the next council to get another update early in the new year, and to stay on top of this project. Chief Administrative Officer Adam Goheen agreed it would be prudent.
Council also learned this week that when the new home is completed next year, it won’t carry the H.J. Mac- Farland name. The MacFarland name will stay with the existing building pending its disposition. The naming rights for the new long-term care facility will soon be marketed, according to director Dione Mills. A third party has been contracted to secure sponsorship, including the opportunity to brand the facility.