Sudbury architecture firm attacks report touting benefits of Kingsway Entertainment District
A Sudbury architectural firm says a new report favourable to the Kingsway Entertainment District didn’t give its own proposal a fair shake.
Project NOW is the brainchild of 3rd Line Studio. The firm says it can renovate Sudbury Arena for $60 million, $40 million less than the original budget for the KED.
But in a report headed to city council June 16, consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said renovating the arena would cost between $115.4 million and $118.6 million. It would also cost more to operate and is a riskier project.
"A modernized SCA (Sudbury Community Arena) would likely generate a higher operating deficit compared to a new events centre," the report said. "A modernized SCA would also have a higher risk profile compared to a new build events centre on either the Kingsway site or downtown site."
But in a news release Tuesday, 3rd Line Studio accused PwC of ignoring the actual Project NOW proposal.
"We understood this study would review the Project NOW assumptions and comment on program compliance, design strategies used and costing developed," the firm said.
"We expected that your team would reach out to us, but we were not contacted. We understood council would then be positioned to compare a Project NOW review to alternative new build options.
The report "did none of these things," 3rd Line Studio said.
"The report has conceived of entirely new vision for the Sudbury Community Arena, one that is nearly double the size and scope of the Project NOW proposal, and provided an analysis of this new, expanded project instead of Project NOW."
It accused the PwC report of misleading council in its conclusions.
"The result is NOT a fair review of Project NOW, and a fair comparison to any other option is no longer viable," the firm said. "This report misrepresents our firm’s work and created a narrative that is misleading and based on a false premise."
You can read the full release from 3rd Line Studios, which details their objections to the PwC report, here.
Not surprisingly, Sudbury Wolves owner Dario Zulich welcomed the PwC's conclusions. Zulich, who owns land where the KED would be built, said he supported the review by PwC.
"The independent and fact-based report, as prepared by the PwC team of professionals, now gives our mayor and council even more confidence and conviction to lead us through a post-COVID economic recovery, which many say will resemble the roaring 20s,” Zulich said in a statement.
"We must now come together as a unified team, moving forward positively and with all our might, for the exciting work is about to begin.”
City councillors will review the PwC report at a special meeting June 16.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.