All six Timmins council members who served last term lined up against the three newcomers last night, on a vote concerning construction of a new Golden Manor long term care home.
Councillors Steve Black, Lorne Feldman and Bill Gvozdanovic wanted to delay a construction management agreement with Eillis Don Construction, citing concerns about transparency and possible cost overruns.
Black said the 2019 cost estimate of $51-million had already increased a bit. He’s worried it will go up even more.
“I do want to acknowledge that I don’t believe there has been significant public consultation and public notification along the stages of this project, in terms of how the costs have changed and develop,” he remarked.
Other councillors pointed out that the project has already been in the works for eight years, and recently announced extra funding from the province is contingent on construction beginning by August.
Coun. Cory Robin said he appreciates the trio’s concern — and qualified that statement.
“So if we keep this discussion of like ‘let’s just kick it down the road six more months, let’s kick it down the road six more months,’” Robin stated, “I’m not sure that we’ll ever get it done.”
Robin added that it’s time to stop talking in circles, and get the project done.