There are reports the cost to build a new elementary school, by the public board, on Churchill Drive has gone over budget by $10-million. It was $20-million, it’s now projected to be $30-million. We took our news mic into the community and asked if this surprises you.
Most people weren’t surprised at all, condemning it as unacceptable.
One man noted 30-million is an unacceptable price tag for any school, and then added “there’s plenty of schools kicking around empty that can be retrofitted for 1/10th of the cost.”
One woman was shocked, not knowing what to say, while another said it would be nice if those in charge could stick within the budget. She added she understands education has a very large price tag to begin with, but we can definitely build a good school within $20-million.
Another person stressed how absurd this is, but not surprising, since in this day and age, all we do is spend money.
A couple of people observed the ground conditions of the site, with one man saying it’s poor, but of course it comes from our pockets as tax payers. Another woman wasn’t surprised saying when you try to build something that big on soil that won’t handle it, you’re asking for problems.
The majority of people observed this kind of thing always happens, with one adding it’s not going to stop at $30-million.
Another wanted to know what is requiring the extra 10-million.
One woman directed this whole thing to Thunder Bay in general, saying every construction project in this city is always more than estimated.
On the flip side, a woman noted if that’s what is needed, then spend it. She added if you consider what was done to our new hospital, then $10-million doesn’t seem so much.