A subcontractor hired to install cladding on the new fire hall in Mackenzie is firing back against allegations of faulty work.
In a response to a counterclaim, Terotech Solutions Inc. is laying the blame entirely at the feet of the delay-plagued project's main contractor, Southwest Design and Construction Ltd.
In part, Terotech alleges Southwest insisted the cladding be installed prior to the roof being installed despite being "repeatedly warned" against it. The misstep led to rainwater seeping into the cladding and resulting in "significant re-work," Terotech alleges.
Terotech also claims the canopy was lined incorrectly by Southwest, "as a result of which, the installed cladding had to be removed."
And Terotech alleges the cladding was destroyed when workers drove over the material while removing snow. Terotech also claims a mechanical crew engaged by Southwest damaged the cladding.
The response was filed June 16 at the B.C. Supreme Court registry in Prince George and was the latest in a series of filings by the two over the issue. The District of Mackenzie is also named as a defendant but the dispute appears to be between Southwest and Terotech.
Terotech is seeking more than $192,000 for the alleged "extra and excessive costs" incurred. Southwest, conversely, is claiming more than $130,000 in special damages.
According to an update included in the June 26 District of Mackenzie council agenda package, the fire hall is on track for substantial completion by Sept. 1, two years later than originally intended. However, the delays have had no impact on the overall budget for the $6.5-million project, according to the report.
