University of Manitoba Project Plagued by Cost Increases

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Construction costs for a new football stadium at the University of Manitoba have spiked nearly 40 percent to $160 million from an initial estimate of $115 million provided last April, according to reports.

 

The 33,000-seat stadium, designed to replace Winnipeg’s 55-year-old Canada Inns Stadium, is a joint effort of the city of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba, real estate company Creswin Properties, the Winnipeg Football Club, the City of Ottawa, and the university. The six parties signed an agreement in April identifying Creswin Properties as responsible for the majority of the $115 million price tag and for handling any cost overruns on the stadium side. However, a point contention has come up as to who should make up the additional $45 million.

 

The stadium, which is currently undergoing excavation work, has been hit by escalating area construction costs and an increase in the price of the roof to make the facility less noisy to local residents. All parties say they are still committed to building the stadium. David Asper, chairman of Creswin Properties, says now the parties involved have to determine whether to create a new deal with his company or to build a purely government-funded stadium.

 

According to Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, "the project has to be done."

 

"It is a very important project for the city," he adds. "It’s one of our key amenities."

 

The proposal to build the stadium includes $22.5 million in improvements to the recreational facilities at the University of Manitoba.