A new report into the multi-million-dollar Ma-Te-Way Centre expansion project says the Town of Renfrew council failed to properly scrutinize the controversial and costly venture.
The expansion of the Ma-Te-Way Centre was originally expected to cost $18 million, but the final report prepared by WSCS Consulting into the decisions that led to the project's cost overruns says the development has ballooned to $38.7 million and will leave Renfrew taxpayers footing the bill for decades.
"Council placed an unreasonable and ill-informed amount of confidence in the former Director of Parks and Recreation without understanding the implications at a time of organizational restructuring. Consequently, Council allowed the Director to make decisions with respect to design, scope, partnerships and construction tenders without approval or oversight.
"The Town's taxpayers will be bearing the financial burden of this project for the next 30 years," the report states, adding the cost overruns will need to be financed with debt and taxes. In April, council voted to refer the third-party review into the expansion project to the Ontario Provincial Police.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kingston, Ont. hospital opens psychedelic research, treatment centreKington, Ont. has a first-of-its-kind psychedelic medical centre in Canada at Providence Care Hospital.
Read more »
New psychedelics medical research centre opening in Kingston, Ont.The Providence Care Hosptial in Kingston, Ont., photographed on Aug. 1, 2021.
Read more »
Community centre in Jarvis, Ont., says far-right group Diagolon misled venue when it booked eventThe Jarvis Lions Community Centre is in Haldimand County.
Read more »
Renfrew County school buses might not be operating at start of school yearTwo school buses are parked at a depot in Ottawa on Sept. 17, 2021.
Read more »
Contract talks stalled between Renfrew County school bus companies and transportation consortiumThe contract between school bus operators and the Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium (RCJTC) has expired. Contract negotiations between the parties has broken off, with the start of the new school year in the Ottawa Valley just three weeks away.
Read more »
10,000 Renfrew County students may not have school bus service on first day of classesParents and students in Renfrew County are being warned there may not be school buses running on the first day of school for 10,000 students, as contract talks continue between the school bus consortium and providers.
Read more »