The construction of the Port Elgin Paramedic Station has encountered setbacks, according to the latest update provided by Director of Paramedic Services Steve Schaus.
The project, which commenced in June 2022, has experienced delays due to post-pandemic supply chain issues and a shortage of skilled tradespeople and labourers.
Initially anticipated to be completed and ready for occupancy in the second quarter of 2023, the estimated timeline has now been pushed back to the fourth quarter of the same year.
Despite the delays, Schaus assures that the project is expected to be completed within the approved budget of $9,407,627.
The tender for the construction was awarded to Allen Hastings Ltd., with a cost of $7,909,000.
To finance the project, the Treasurer has been authorized to apply for a loan of up to $10,000,000 through the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (OILC) with a 30-year amortization.
Details of the project released last year had plans that included two large meeting rooms that can hold up to 32 people, a large training gym, hoteling workstations for County staff, and rough-ins for two double-head Electric Vehicle charging stations.
The construction progress report highlights the completion of various stages, including the stripping of topsoil, the creation of a temporary access driveway to the Lakeshore Hub, site servicing, footings and foundation installations, main floor forming and slab installation, structural steel erection, and interior framing.