«Construction is 32 per cent complete and on track to have the first resident (occupation) date in the second quarter of 2024,» said Andrew Rodriguez of Colliers Project Leaders, the company serving as project manager.
Rodriguez presented the United Counties of Prescott-Russell council (UCPR) with an update report on the new Prescott-Russell Residence project during council’s May 11 committee of the whole session. The UCPR owns and operates the present PR Residence as part of its social services department.
Construction began February 2021 on the Spence Street site for the new PR Residence. After laying down the foundations, the construction schedule focused first on the southeast wing part of the facility and then on the northeast wing. The construction schedule allows for crews for each particular trade, such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and such, to move in to one section, do their required work and then move on to another section, making way for another trade to then do its work in turn.
Rodriguez noted in his report that Ontario locals of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) are considering strike action. The union includes operators of construction cranes and other heavy equipment among its members. Other unions representing carpenters and other trades in Ontario are also considering labour action.
«The strikes are impacting key trades that the general contractors need at this stage,» said Rodriguez, regarding the potential impact on the Residence project. «It’s something that we are monitoring very carefully now.»
He added that the project schedule includes contingencies to allow for any delays to construction.
