Council had planned to repair Elliot Lake's Centennial Arena to provide a useable indoor ice surface while funding commitments are secured for the long-anticipated Community Hub project in which a new arena would be created.
The repair plan took a heavy hit in a rare Monday afternoon Council meeting when councillors learned the city will need to pay $175,000 more than expected to get it done.
At $621,000 it amounts to a 27 per cent increase over the previous quote of $475,000.
A quote provided to council only a few weeks ago.
When the work was previously quoted, the estimate had a built in contingency cushion, in case more repairs were needed. All along the plan was to finish by mid to late August, to minimize disruption to fall hockey schedules.
Councillor Luc Cyr noted that, if you subtract the contingency from the previous quote, the revised contract really contains more than a 50 per cent cost boost.
Engineer and Structural Lead Alvin Olar had the unenviable task of explaining to Council why the figure has pushed up so much in such a short period of time.
"We are the keepers of the keys. I am not pleased whatsoever," Councillor Chris Patrie said. "I would like you to go back to renegotiate."
As Structural Lead, Olar is the go-between between the city and the contractor, Timber Restoration Services of Moncton, New Brunswick.
"I am the messenger. I still truly believe this is the best course of action." Olar said. "The things that need doing you have to do."
Repairs to extend the life of Centennial Arena by up to three years turned out be more extensive and expensive than expected when inspectors first examined structural deterioration in the old building, Olar told exasperated councillors.
"I'm not impressed at all. I am not impressed with Timber Restoration Services," Councillor Tom Turner said.
He added that references for the company would not be forthcoming from the City of Elliot Lake.
"Last time we were assured repeatedly that the whole quote was on the very high side," Councillor Luc Cyr said. "In the past eight to 10 years, the city kept getting many reports but how could it (this one) be off by more than 50 per cent?"
"How much faith are we putting in the process? How are we supposed to go along?" he said.
In the end, councillors swallowed the bitter medicine and voted to sign the $621,000 contract with Timber Restoration Services.
The vote was five to one with only Councillor Chris Patrie voting against.
Councillor Sandy Finamore was absent from Monday night's Special Council meeting.
Olar assured Council the repairs would be completed on time, between the middle and end of August - with one provision - making ice in the building before the repair work is done would set back the completion date, he warned.