Construction on McMurray Métis Cultural Centre resumes in spring

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Construction will resume on the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre next spring after financial problems brought the project to a halt in October 2022.

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New project leadership cut costs by 60 per cent, according to a Tuesday evening press release from McMurray Métis Local 1935. This was done by redesigning the building, an engineering review and a plan that includes a phased-build approach.

“The project team we assembled was given the mandate to create a cultural centre that celebrates Métis culture while taking advantage of tourism opportunities that exist in our region,” said project director Shawn Myers in a statement.

“This work has resulted in a sustainable and fiscally responsible path forward, including a phased-build approach and securement of additional financing.”

The project leadership team hired Edmonton-based Reimagine Architectural to redesign the project, which was originally designed by Vancouver-based Mindful Architecture. Bird Construction will replace Casman Group of Companies as the new construction management group.

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The statement does not include a new construction timeline or what the new cultural centre will look like when it opens. But leadership have sworn to complete a project they say now has a secure and leaner financial plan. McMurray Métis says the centre will bring cultural, economic and tourism opportunities to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

“Success is the only option when it comes to completing a project that will preserve, showcase and celebrate Métis culture, history and traditions,” said Kelly Myers, president of McMurray Métis Local 1935, in the statement.

The building was supposed to open in December 2023 after a groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2020. Construction halted in October 2022 after new leadership at McMurray Métis said the project was short on funds and progress was “not where it needs to be.” Leaders began a review of the project, which concluded it had “insufficient planning, project management and cost controls.”

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Interviews with current and former staff at McMurray Métis, as well as federal and provincial officials, say the project’s financial problems grew the project’s scope went beyond its original plans. Problems worsened as the project was hit by inflation, global supply chain problems and the federal government’s rejection of a $25-million Green and Inclusive Community Buildings grant.

The project was estimated to cost $22 million at the September 2020 groundbreaking ceremony. Council had transferred the land to McMurray Métis earlier that summer. When Casman Group of Companies was hired for construction in March 2021, costs doubled to $44 million as a lookout tower was added. By July 2021, redesigns and scope changes raised costs to $74.7 million.

More to come…

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vmcdermott@postmedia.com

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