The overall budget for the YCE Multiplex project has been increased to $86.77 million from $80.24 million, leading to an increase in the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County’s contributions.
This brings project contributions to $33.39 million each from Edson and Yellowhead County and $20 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Around $2,525,940 is also expected to be offset through the provincial Local Government Fiscal Framework grant.
Factors like commodity pricing, exchange rate fluctuations, and labour shortages reportedly contributed to the rise in construction costs. Additionally, the gymnasium design has been fully completed; the design was in the concept stage in April 2024 and had previously been estimated at a lower cost.
“Prices continue to climb across our economy, and we’re seeing it first-hand with this project. Approving an increase to the project’s cost is a tough decision, but we had to weigh these cost increases against not including these important features in the multiplex or increased costs to add them later. We felt this was the best option for our residents,” commented Wade Williams, Yellowhead County mayor.
Officials say the budget increase does not change the scope of the project, but instead ensures all planned elements remain feasible.
Some of these elements include a new pool and arena, renovations to the existing Centennial Arena, repurposing of the Memorial Arena into a curling facility, and the addition of a gym and elevated walking track.
The change was approved by Edson’s town council during its regularly scheduled meeting on May 20 and Yellowhead County council during a Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on June 17.
An official groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place on May 21, with representatives from Yellowhead County and Edson, joint partners on the project, in attendance.
