The construction of the multisport facility in West Kelowna got a catch – the developers did not include washrooms in the original design.
The city has budgeted $ 3.8 million for the soccer dome, but now, with additional washrooms, more public funding may be needed.
BC building codes mandate eight washrooms for a maximum dome capacity of 150, but it’s not yet clear how much adding washrooms will cost. Despite the factual project that the project has been in the works for several years, developers are only now realizing that washrooms are a necessary requirement in the building plans.
“This requirement was not marked when the preliminary budget estimate for the construction of a multisport facility was completed due to the lack of design or full review of the specifications and requirements through statutes, codes, etc.,” stated a report to advice from Mark Roberts, Park Planning and Flood Remediation Officer, Bob Kusch, Park, Recreation and Culture Manager, and Allen Fillion, General Manager for Engineering and Public Works.
The council is given the option to reduce the maximum capacity for the football dome to 75, which would require one less washroom.
“Due to the unexpected demands on the washroom, the design team is currently investigating designs and cost implications. However, additional funding may be required after properly accounting for design and construction costs, ”the report says.
In the 2017 capital budget, the council set the design and planning of a soccer dome facility in its strategic priorities.
The inflatable dome will be a permanent sports device. The equivalent of dry soil that can go over the turf field to accommodate sports other than soccer is also installed. The option of keeping the dome inflated year-round rather than seasonally saves costs and extends the life expectancy of the inflated roof.
Then Mayor and now Coun. Doug Findlater warned associates and Urban Systems about “budget creep” and that he would not vote for any more budget increases after costs rose from an estimated $ 1 million early last year.
The project is a partnership with the Westside Youth Soccer Association, which received a grant from the province for the project in 2016.
The report will be presented to the Council on January 8th.
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