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A long-awaited community centre in east London already delayed more than a year now has no timeline for opening and a price tag inflated by more than $525,000.
The East Lions Community Centre, originally scheduled to open in 2019, now won’t open its doors until next year at the earliest, after city hall turfed the general contractor on the project plagued by construction delays.
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A new report from city staff acknowledges the community disappointment and asks council to approve an extra $426,000 to keep the architectural team on the job. Costs to keep the site secure have also added another $100,000 to the $21-million centre.
LONDON, ONT City hall is no longer willing to estimate the completion date for the delay-plagued East Lions Community Centre. The $22-million community centre being constructed on Wavell Street will include a pool, gymnasium, and community space. when its finished. “We don’t want to set a firm date and set false expectations. We’re all hoping for as soon as possible,” explains Scott Stafford, Managing Director of Parks and Recreation. The east London neighbourhood had their existing pool and community space demolished during the first phase of construction. Since then, they’ve watched work on the replacement stall several times.