MONTREAL - The City of Westmount's plan to replace its arena and swimming pool with an ambitious $37-million underground double-arena complex along with a new outdoor door pool has hit another bump in the road, as city council has decided to switch architects.
The decision has project critics demanding more information.
"The city really owes it to the citizens and taxpayers to explain why at this point in the project, they're splitting with a well-known, reputable architectural firm with virtually no explanation," said Westmount resident Mavis Young.
Some residents assume that the project is already over budget.
But city councillor Patrick Martin says that there are no overruns as of yet.
"We're determined to meet the budget," says Martin, the councillor in charge of the project. "In fact we aim to come under budget as much as possible."
Martin says the new idea is to, "accelerate the work by going to a design-build formula to complete the design and construction of the project."
Some critics feel that an indoor pool would be of better use to residents than a second rink, which they suspect would be largely used by nearby Selwyn House school.
"An all-year round pool would be able to serve young and old alike while a hockey rink has a limited demographic that it appeals to," says Westmounter Gary Evans.
But the current plan also has its fans.
"By putting much of it underground, it preserves the view. I think the mayor is right on the money with this," says Westmounter Bob Calder.
The city is hoping to award a contract prior to the end of the year, so the work can begin by February 2012.
The project will be paid by federal and provincial governments, which will pitch in $10 million for the project while the City of Westmount hopes to raise $5 million in donations. The last $12 will be charged to Westmount municipal taxpayers.
In April 2010 the City of Westmount sent residents a questionnaire which was returned by 27 percent of those who received it. The city reports that 83 percent of those who bothered to fill out the form were in favour of the project.
Since then a petition opposing the project emerged with about 1,500 signatures. But city officials have repeatedly stated that it is too late to change the plan.
Westmount, one of Canada's wealthiest municipalities, spans four kilometers just west of downtown. By policy it does not permit non-residents to freely use its facilities but in some cases allows non-residents access for an additional fee.
