Downtown Regina plaza was poorly managed, mayor says

Regina's mayor, Pat Fiacco, says poor management and unavoidable construction delays are the reasons why work on a new downtown plaza space was significantly over budget.

A report to the executive committee of city council says the City Square Plaza, in the heart of Regina's downtown, was originally expected to cost $7 million but the final tab ended up at $13 million.

According to the city, wet weather hampered the construction. As well, mid-way through the project the city parted ways with the architectural firm that was involved in the plaza, leading to a lawsuit that is still before the courts.

The report also noted that the city's management of the project was lacking.

"[T]here was generally weak adherence to sound project management or project planning," the report said, noting the top administrator for the city has pledged to do better.

Fiacco said he hopes the city learns from the plaza experience.

The city hired a consultant to review the plaza work, however the full report was edited and some sections were not released because of the ongoing litigation.