Windsor council reaffirms support for Adie Knox project despite tariff concerns

Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex in Windsor, on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (Ricardo Veneza / CTV Windsor)

Despite concerns about rising costs tied to tariffs, Windsor city council has reaffirmed its support for the redevelopment of the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex.

The project — first approved in 2022 — would overhaul the west-end facility with building upgrades, new outdoor amenities, and a home arena for the University of Windsor’s Lancer hockey teams at a cost of $19.5 million.

Ray Mensour, commissioner of community services, said the city’s agreement with Fortis Construction Group locks in the project’s price and includes protections against tariff costs.

“We have a fixed price, and we’ll have a contract to hold the contractor to that price,” he said.

While about $5 million worth of materials could be subject to tariffs, Mensour said contingency funding is in place to absorb any increases.

Jo-Anne Gignac, councillor for Ward 6, asked about the risk of overruns.

Mensour responded that while no project is completely without risk, protections built into the contract mean “the risk is minimal.”

Questions were also raised about how much control the city has when it comes to using Canadian materials.

Dana Paladino, senior executive director of corporate services, said the contractor is required to show efforts to mitigate cost increases, which includes sourcing Canadian products when feasible.

“If it’s possible and if it’s still cost effective to do so, we encourage the use of Canadian goods,” she said.

Meanwhile, with the University of Windsor facing well-publicized financial challenges, Ward 4 Coun. Mark McKenzie sought assurance about its commitment to the facility.

“In my conversations with the University of Windsor, they’re 100 per cent committed,” said Michael Chantler, senior executive director of community services.

“This is the facility that will be their home for the Windsor Lancer hockey programs, for both men’s and women’s teams.”

Speaking with AM800 News before the meeting, Ward 2 Coun. Fabio Costante said the city could lose grant funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities if the project were re-tendered.

“There’s a significant amount of risk if you defer this,” Costante said, adding a delay could mean higher bids in the future and jeopardize the university partnership.

Costante called the project “transformational” for the west side and downtown core.

City administration has also struck a working group to help navigate future projects under the evolving tariff environment.

A separate report on the city’s updated procurement strategy is expected to come before council in May.