It’s a massive renovation project that has attracted its share of controversy – but the Federal Building is set to open soon, with the first staff moving in next week.
The renovation that was already over budget and behind schedule has another cost over-run – bringing the total cost of the project to $403 million.
As the province opened the doors for media to see the finished building before staff move in, officials said if they had to do such a project over again, they wouldn’t.
“Obviously, faced with this decision today, our government and our premier would not have proceeded,” Infrastructure Minister Manmeet Bhullar said.
The project was initially budgeted at $356 million, and was supposed to open at 2011 – a number of delays brought the cost to more than $400 million.
“When faced with situations like this, the prudent thing to do is finish the job,” Bhullar said.
The Federal Building now includes large public areas, a new caucus room, offices for MLAs and office space for government staff.
Plus, on the 11th floor, meeting rooms are found where the ‘Sky Palace’ was at one point supposed to be – where former premier Alison Redford ordered the floor to be transformed into a private suite.
The province cancelled those plans, but the ‘Sky Palace’ cost taxpayers $240,000.
More recently, the province cut $10 million from the project, including a public skating rink – but on Friday, officials said the rink was back in, but Albertans won’t cover that cost.
“The premier will, and I will seek out ways to ensure that there is an ice rink built here,” Bhullar said.
Employees will start moving in Monday – but all 250 employees won’t be moved in until the summer.
With files from Bill Fortier
