Allyson Beauregard
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – Nearly 18 months after the construction of Quyon’s new community centre began, the building still isn’t quite ready to open its doors. After an inspection of the building a few weeks ago, the municipality pinpointed several problems that need to be fixed.
Allyson Beauregard
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – Nearly 18 months after the construction of Quyon’s new community centre began, the building still isn’t quite ready to open its doors. After an inspection of the building a few weeks ago, the municipality pinpointed several problems that need to be fixed.
According to Charlotte Laforest, municipal interim Director General, the problems include things like drywall cracks, non-functioning door latches and uneven tiles. A list was made and submitted to the building’s architect and contractor, who are currently working to address the issues.
Alain Bourgeois, Infrastructure and Public Works Director, said an engineer will carry out at least one more inspection when the corrections are complete. “The need for a second inspection will depend if the work is done before the snow melts because we also have to inspect the outside of the building, which isn’t possible right now,” he said.
Once the keys are handed over to the municipality, they are responsible for some
final touches: hooking up the kitchen, installing gas service, and putting in the bar.
“All of the materials have been sitting here for months waiting until we get the keys,” said Laforest, noting the municipality hopes the Centre will be ready to host events by April, but further delays could push the date further into the future.
The building replaces the Quyon Lions Club, also known as the “beach barn”, which was torn down because of its poor condition.
Demolition began in October 2017, and at the time, reconstruction was expected to be complete in early 2018. After some setbacks, the date was extended to the summer of 2018, but disputes between contractors and the municipality regarding requests for additional compensation delayed progress even further.
Dominic Labrie, former Assistant Director General, acted as the municipality’s project manager until his departure last year. An architect was subsequently hired to oversee the work on the municipality’s behalf. Despite the problems, both Laforest and Bourgeois believe the project is still within the original $1.7 million budget.
The 7,000 square foot building was designed by Architect Pierre J. Tabet. LCC & Associés Canada was awarded the contract as general manager in August 2017.
The engineering firm CIMA was subcontracted to complete some work.
As of press time, Mayor Joanne Labadie did not respond to the Journal’s inquiries.
