The United Counties of Prescott and Russell are preparing a financial report to determine the final cost of the new Prescott and Russell Residence in Hawkesbury, as the administration continues to assess expenses associated with the project and its delayed opening.
Interim financial director Mélanie Gratton says staff are currently compiling the latest invoices to establish the total construction cost, including additional expenses resulting from the delays.
Gratton says the project’s contingency fund has not yet been exceeded, although the final financial picture will only become clear once all outstanding invoices have been reviewed.
The new residence officially welcomed its residents on October 21 and 22, completing the relocation from the former facility on Cartier Boulevard. The new building, located at 900 Spence Street, has 224 beds, an increase of 78 over the previous home, and represents an investment of approximately $93 million.
The financial review follows questions raised by Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski during the October 28 Counties Council meeting. Tarnowski requested a comprehensive accounting of the project’s costs, including revenue losses resulting from the delayed opening, and questioned whether a forensic audit or legal action might be appropriate.
The Counties have also retained Ottawa lawyer John Melia of Kelly Santini LLP to examine potential options for recovering some of the financial losses associated with the delays. Administration says departments involved in the redevelopment are gathering the information needed for that assessment.
A final construction report is expected once all outstanding invoices have been received and processed. The review will help clarify the overall cost of the project and the financial impact of the lengthy delays in bringing the new residence into operation.