Contract disputes between the city and EllisDon could delay the opening of the Remai Modern Art Gallery and raise the final price tag yet again.
The city and project contractor have a “number of outstanding discussion points on cost and delay” according to a report presented to the Environment, Utilities and Corporate Service Monday. The report estimates the gallery budget could be $2.5 to $4.5 million short, once the outstanding issues are included.
The city won’t say what the disputes are exactly or if the money would be raised through taxes, fundraising or some other means.
The approved budget for the building is now at $84.6 million, up from the original 2009 estimate of $55 million, while the actual land and attached underground parkade push the price to $106 million.
The report says the city has tried to mitigate costs by making requests to correct architect drawing, meeting with EllisDon, reducing the scope or finishes, and monitoring the schedule closely.
On Friday, media were given a tour of the new Riverlanding gallery which officials said is 90 per cent complete.
The Remai’s public spaces and community programming are slated to open in early 2017, while the 11 art galleries and exhibitions are expected to open mid-2017. Contact disputes could, however, push the opening day.