Kamloops saves money on 2015 capital projects

KAMLOOPS – Not all projects come in over budget, at least not this past year in Kamloops.

The City of Kamloops has spent roughly $33 million on either new, expansion or maintenance infrastructure projects this year. Out of the 38 projects undertaken in 2015, the city has come in six per cent under budget.

The final numbers will need to be adjusted when all projects have been completed but, generally, the city’s projections are on or under budget, according to public works director Jen Fretz. Of the 38 construction projects on the books this year, 20 are complete with the remainder due to finish either by year’s end or the spring of 2016.

While most construction has come within its projections, six projects did go over budget. The most costly project being the new home of the North Shore community police office, which is currently under renovations. The project is scheduled for completion by the spring of 2016 but has already cost the city $310,000 more than expected.

Fretz says there are some additional improvements now required that weren't included in the original business case and a report further outlining that project and the changes made will be brought to council later in November. 

Other projects like the Westsyde water park and upgrades to Rosehill Park finished right on budget while both the Columbia Street and Overlanders Bridge projects came in just under the projected budget, saving the city and taxpayers a total of $800,000.

The installation of a new backup generator at the River Street High lift Station had the most savings. Budgeted at $1 million, the project cost just $600,000, or 40 per cent less than expected.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.