Rec Centre Opening Delayed Again
By John Swartz
The City of Orillia won’t be using the new Orillia Recreation Centre (ORC) as a venue for the upcoming Ontario Winter Games. The contractor, Atlas Corporation, informed the city it cannot have the building ready in time for the February 27 to March 1 event.
Of the 27 sports making up the Games only 3 (artistic swimming, Wushu, and kick-boxing) were scheduled to take place in the ORC. Those sports will play out at other facilities.
“The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) has back-up locations and a contingency plan in place for the three events that were scheduled to take place at the Orillia Recreation Centre so there really is no impact to the Games,” said Jed Levene, Chair of the GOC. The new schedule is being updated and will be published at a later date.
Delays in shipping materials has caused backups scheduling sub-contractors and a shortage of skilled labour are cited as factors in the delay.
“We will not cut corners and rush the final stages of construction for this once-in-lifetime project that I can assure you will be well worth the wait. The general contractor has struggled to communicate an accurate opening, so until we can get a firm date from the contractor the City is not establishing a specific opening date, but our goal is to have it open by this spring,” said Mayor Clarke.
This issue is also affecting other plans involving completion of the project. The Orillia Recreation Centre program registration date of Jan. 24 is no longer applicable. Watch for Orillia Recreation Centre program information details in the Spring Made Fun Guide.
Fun Pass gift certificates, which can be used toward a Fun Pass membership for the ORC, are available for purchase at City Centre and online. Fun Passes will only kick-in once the facility opens.
Recruitment for positions available at the Orillia Recreation Centre is still underway with the job postings closing on Jan. 31.
Too see some behind the scenes videos of construction progress visit the City’s Youtube channel, and see SUNonline/Orillia’s video.
(Image Supplied)
