While the city wraps up the first public phase of the waterfront development, the private sector elements are moving a little slower than expected.
Project manager Katherine Dugmore said because of the scope of private development on the waterfront, the process to get condominiums and a hotel built is complx. From zoning by-laws to specific material requirements in the development agreement, Dugmore said the city is in ongoing discussions with Winnipeg’s Laureate Developments and will meet at the end of June to finalize the details. While rumours were circulating that private developers had backed out of the plan, Dugmore said the plan is going ahead and has no concerns that the project will be held up with construction expected to begin this fall.
"I think it’s important for the public to realize that these discussions are really detailed and until administration is prepared to present sort of a final plan it would be imprudent to go to the public with something that might change dramatically," Dugmore said.
Dugmore said the city’s master plan includes a 106 to 120 room boutique hotel, with three hoteliers showing interest in the project.
While private development is moving a little slow, Dugmore said the public development is on schedule. The first three major tenders, at a cost of $12.5 million are in the final stages and the second phase begins June 28 said Dugmore.
"Everything’s pretty much on schedule. We had some slight changes to scheduling as we’re moving through there’s tweaking of design and things like that. Some things are taking a little longer than anticipated but by and large they’re pretty much on time."
Mayor Lynn Peterson said the so-far $26 million project has brought 333 jobs and included 76 local companies. Peterson said she’s pleased the city has been able to use as many local resources, including concrete, as possible.
"It’s moving along very well," Peterson said. "We’re on target."
