The Edmonds Community Centre project is entering its final phase of construction within budget, according to a city report.
The City of Burnaby's expectation to open the new centre's doors by the end of April may not be far off, as the contractors' updated schedule proposes substantial completion by the end of March.
"To date, approximately 91 per cent of the construction contract value has been completed," the finance and civic development committee's report to council states.
Located in South Burnaby on Edmonds Street, the facility will boast a six-lane, 25-metre pool, a leisure pool, warm swim and therapy lanes, a lazy river with two channels, double water slides, a twin gymnasium, multi-purpose spaces and more.
Over the next six weeks, finishing touches will be done to areas including the childcare area, seniors' centre, multi-purpose rooms, fitness centre, youth centre and general public spaces.
"Although the contractors' major focus has been on the completion of the building, work has also progressed on the exterior site works and hard landscaping elements which include sidewalks, planters and retaining walls," the report states. "This work is somewhat weather-dependent, but is progressing well in conjunction with the off-site civil work."
Based on the expenditures so far, the project is within its approved budget, according to the report.
Construction costs are in the $34.6 million range, with a total project cost budgeted for $44 million, which includes design, engineering and other soft costs, according to Dave Ellenwood, director of parks, recreation and cultural services.
The city has been able to draw from equipment replacement and land acquisition reserves to build the facility.
