Increase of $9 million approved for Coby Wellness Centre
City council has approved a $9-million increase to the Summit Wellness Centre construction budget, bringing the total cost to about $25.5 million.
The project was approved at $16.5 million in 2025.
In a report to council, city staff said an increase is needed due to several factors, including expanded project scope, higher-than-expected construction costs and inflation, as well as government grant applications that were not approved.
To help offset the additional costs, council also approved an additional $1.86 million in debenture financing, bringing total debenture funding for the project to $18.36 million. Development charge funding will also increase to about $7.14 million under the revised financing plan.
Construction on the Summit Wellness Centre is nearing completion, with the facility expected to open this summer. The centre will serve as a health and community hub for Coboconk and the surrounding area.
What grant applications weren’t approved? What dollar amount? Why not approved?
What is the “expanded project scope?”
How much is that costing?
What “higher than expected construction costs”?
Surely inflation was factored into the original cost? What extra dollar amount is being added for that?
A $9million increase in one year is huge and requires a detailed explanation for the taxpayers.