Winnipeg’s harsh winter has blown the budget of another major construction project.
The Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo has run $4.5 million over budget. That news came out of a meeting Thursday between The Assiniboine Park Conservancy and city councillors.
CTV was told the cold weather boosted heating costs related to the project.
The city is now looking for savings to help cover the costs.
The city has already promised to give $50 million for the overall park rehabilitation project. Coun. Brian Mayes says there is enough money left in that budget to possibly scale something else back so the Journey to Churchill can be fully funded.
“My own view is that we are still well within that, so if we need to use some of that toward the project, I think it'll be a great project,” said Mayes. “I don't want to start writing blank cheques here. I don't think anyone on council is interested in that, so we're working with them to find a solution.”
It’s unknown whether or not Assiniboine Park officials simply want more on top of the $50 million.
The exhibit opens July 3. One zoo official CTV News spoke to said the cost overruns do not threaten the opening date.
- With a report by Jeff Keele
