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Discussions about Thunder Bay indoor sports facility pushed back until June

Thunder Bay, Ont. city council will be waiting until June to resume discussions about a proposed indoor sports facility for the municipality.

Additional costs associated with the facility’s construction have recently come to light, pushing the estimated cost beyond the $38-million upset limit that had been approved in November. A geotechnical investigation report suggests a cast-in-place concrete pile foundation be drilled because of a soft layer of silt at the site, the cost of which is estimated at $600,000.

Additionally, the environmental tests found contaminated soil in the site area, requiring it be taken to a landfill and adding to the expense. Despite the additional costs, the project still falls within the approved $44.6-million financing.

The city’s administration has recommended the extension to June to allow council to sift through the preliminary design studies as well as the geotechnical and environmental impacts of the project.