The replacement of the Mundy Park field house is necessary but shouldn't cost millions.
That was the message from Coquitlam council to city staff on Monday after it was presented with options for the replacement of the park facility, which the city hopes to build before the 2016 BC Seniors Games.
The three proposals prepared by staff ranged in cost between an estimated $800,000 for a basic washroom facility to an estimated $3.5 million two-storey structure that could also be used to house a daycare and includes an elevator.
Option two, the one staff is recommending, would cost an estimated $1.7 million and would be a 2,700 sq. ft. one-storey structure with a washroom, storage space and kitchen area.
"I would like this to go back to staff," said Coun. Brent Asmundson. "The amount of cost involved for all three of the options is quite out of line from what I'd be looking at."
Most councillors agreed. Coun. Craig Hodge said he likes the proposal, particularly the plans for a daycare, but was concerned about the price.
"I was quite surprised by the $3.5 million," he said. "You could build four houses for that."
City staff told council the prices included in the report were ballpark estimates. Once a design is chosen, a more precise cost would be presented.
