Newly constructed police headquarters damaged by water

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SASKATOON – The company constructing the new police headquarters in Saskatoon, EllisDon, has confirmed a water leakage issue occurred on Feb. 21. The building is in its final phase of construction and has sustained damages.

Saskatoon Fire and Flood has been called in to help with remediation efforts.

Nearing completion of the $122 million facility, the company confirms it ran into problems during a thermal scan. Cold outside air being pumped in to pressurize the building, froze pipes in the rooftop, causing fan coils to burst resulting in water damage.

Jason Sheldrick, the company’s area manager and vice president, said damages are being assessed.

“We have some electrical fixtures that we’re looking to replace, and insulation around duct work and a few devices in the ceiling space for fire alarms will need to be looked at to see if they sustained any water infiltration damage,” said Sheldrick.

Twenty-one areas in the building including office and public space have been affected. Electrical, drywall, paint and architectural finishes have also been compromised.

The City of Saskatoon forewent the request for an interview but provided this statement.

“The City is aware there was a construction issue that the contractor EllisDon is now dealing with. As always, the City will work within the terms of the contract and will work with its contractor to address any potential effects.”

City Councillor Darren Hill, who also sits on the Board of Police Commisioners, was surprised by the information but expects the effects to be moderate.

“There are no concerns for the citizens of Saskatoon with respect to general operations for Saskatoon police service and no financial implications as well,” said Hill.

“We may have to extend the lease of Saskatoon police services by an extra month where they currently are.”

But according to Hill, that’s a cost that would be offset by the delayed date of possession of the new building because the city doesn’t assume operational costs until the building is handed over from EllisDon.

EllisDon could not provide a value of damages but says it is filing this as a claim with its insurance company.

The mishap is expected to delay the project by up to as many as four weeks.

The project is already behind schedule. The Saskatoon Police Service was originally scheduled to move in during the fall of 2013.

EllisDon is also the construction company in charge of the new school in Willowgrove as well as the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan.