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WHITBY, ONT.—Bondfield Construction has indicated that the new Fairview Lodge long-term care home in Whitby, Ont. will likely be turned over to the Regional Municipality of Durham by April 15.
The contractor was recently heavily criticized for not speeding up construction of the lodge after a fire ripped through an existing facility which was located next door in October.
In all, 192 seniors were left without permanent homes as a result of the blaze with many being placed into long-term, temporary beds at various facilities within and outside Durham.
"We thought the fire would have spurred them to move it forward quicker," Regional Chairman Roger Anderson told the Daily Commercial News previously.
"It’s just hard to believe that they haven’t been more helpful and committed to moving this project forward."
Bondfield’s website states the three-storey, $40-million structure had a project completion date of October 2014.
The company did acknowledge in a statement that "there are various issues that affect a construction project from the day it commences" and added "Bondfield always works diligently with the entire project team to deliver projects in accordance with its contractual obligations."
The company’s general counsel also stated that, "in responding to changes to the project work Bondfield Construction Company Limited (‘Bondfield’) had to adapt and work with the project team to address challenges that became apparent once the project construction started. Contractual relationships have confidentiality obligations which prevent public discussion of project issues."
According to the Region, Bondfield’s handing over of the facility by mid-April means that residents could begin to move in around June 2.
"The time period between the hand over and when move in begins allows for final installations of furniture and fixtures, specialized cleaning, staff training and the required Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care inspections of the new facility," reads a statement from the Region.
"The Region will continue to push Bondfield to expedite the remaining work and improve this timeline. The Region continues to hold the contractor responsible for meeting its contractual obligations and will offer such support as may be required, in order to assist in the completion of the construction work as quickly and efficiently as possible. We regret the delay, but our first priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of the residents of Fairview Lodge when they move into their new home."
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