10/08/2026
🤔 What’s the difference between the $15.15 million and $17.9 million project costs?
We have seen and heard questions like, “I thought the project cost was $15 million. Why is it now $17.9 million?”
We get it. We know the different numbers can be confusing, so here’s the simple breakdown:
The overall project budget is approximately $17.9 million, made up of:
$15 million – Construction Budget
The maximum amount available for the successful design-build team to construct the secondary arena and walking track. This is the construction budget that would be put forward for voters to approve through the referendum.
$2.789 million – RDCK-Retained Costs
These are budgeted costs outside the construction budget and include expenses related to permits, utility work, technical studies, inspections, procurement and contingency. These costs are related to work that is required before the referendum to provide design-build proponents with the information needed to prepare comprehensive submissions during the NRFP stage.
It is important to note that some of the RDCK-Retained Costs, including a $1.35 million contingency amount, may not ultimately be incurred, but are included in the RDCK-Retained Costs to ensure sufficient funding is available if needed.
$15 million + $2.789 million = approximately $17.9 million overall project budget.
We know a project of this size comes with a lot of information and some complicated details. We are committed to keeping residents informed as the project moves forward.
Visit engage.rdck.ca to see further breakdown of the RDCK retained costs.
City of Castlegar
