Construction industry reps say delayed Cape Breton projects not cause for concern

Construction industry representatives in Cape Breton are urging residents not to panic over a number of delayed residential developments in the area. Last week, the Nova Scotia government announced a delay in the construction of a new nursing home, while Cape Breton regional councillors were asked to approve a delay in building a residential tower on Sydney’s downtown waterfront.

Mayor Cecil Clarke expressed concerns about cost overruns in construction projects and emphasized the importance of analyzing the region’s cost competitiveness. He acknowledged that higher labour costs might be a contributing factor to delays in construction projects.

Coun. Glenn Paruch raised questions about the possibility of regulatory red tape causing delays in construction projects. He wondered if these delays were becoming a trend in Cape Breton and emphasized the need to address any impediments that may be hindering the progress of construction projects.

The province cited the receipt of only one bid, which was significantly over budget, as the reason for pausing the new MacGillivray Guest Home project. The government suggested that the number of large infrastructure projects underway in the region might have impacted the bidding process.

Meanwhile, Doucet Developments requested a deadline extension for its waterfront project, citing increased costs and the need to redesign the development after a hotel chain withdrew its interest in the site. CBRM planner Karen Neville highlighted the unavailability of equipment needed by the contractor to confirm the lay of the land as a significant factor contributing to the delay.

Interim chief administrative officer Demetri Kachafanas explained that additional delays were caused by multiple deadline extensions requested by the contractor. He emphasized that these delays were not the municipality’s fault and that efforts were being made to expedite the completion of the project.

Ernie Dalton, president of the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, reassured residents that labour costs on the island have remained stable due to a five-year collective agreement negotiated by the council. He attributed the increase in material and other costs to the pandemic and inflation.

Trent Soholt, executive director of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, echoed Dalton’s sentiments, stating that the cost of construction in Cape Breton is not higher than in other regions. He emphasized that delays in construction projects can occur for a variety of reasons and that contractors may be busy with other projects.

Overall, construction industry representatives in Cape Breton are working to address the delays in residential developments and ensure that projects can move forward in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to remain calm and trust that efforts are being made to overcome any challenges that may arise in the construction process.