REGINA – That big cover on top of the dome at the Saskatchewan legislative building won’t be coming off on schedule and the renovations are now $6-million over budget.
Restoration of the century-old dome, which began in May 2014 and was expected to be complete by the end of 2015, now won’t be finished until “early spring” according to the ministry of central services. That likely means an unveiling in late March 2016.
“The thing with these 100-year old heritage buildings is you never know what you’re going to find,” said deputy minister Richard Murray. “We’ve got 100-year old copper sitting on top of 100-year old wooden frame sitting on top of 100-year old concrete.”
“We’re not anticipating any more surprises.”
Murray says there were unforeseen issues with the concrete, which required a re-design of the wooden structure to properly support the dome’s copper frame. Also factored into the cost increase is the extended length of time a crane needs to be on site along with skilled workers.
The iconic dome has been hidden from the public during the facelift – covered by a white, vinyl structure.
Total cost of the project will now be $21 million.
WATCH BELOW: Inside the Sask. legislative dome renovation (Jan. 1)
Murray says the new copper is being installed now, with renovations roughly 80 per cent complete.
“Now that we’ve seen behind the stone, behind the mortar, underneath the copper and the wooden framing, we’ve seen everything there is to see,” Murray said.
“We’re not anticipating any more surprises.”
Comments