At this week’s Council meeting we had before us a report on the JOC (Joint Operations Centre), a final report that spoke to lessons learned about the project, its progress and processes related to it. There are a number of questions, however, that still need to be addressed, not least of which was the fact that the project is over budget. Recognizing that in order to understand fully all the questions that have been raised, a review of the project is necessary. Consequently, Council has asked for the Region to conduct an audit of the project. An audit will allow us to get an arms-length review of what happened. As I said at the table, I believe that the Town needs to learn from this; that we cannot continue to manage projects in this way.
There will be more to come on this. I am looking forward to receiving the audit report and reviewing the recommendations that emerge from it. In doing so, we as a Council can take the steps necessary to ensure that moving forward, we will have those policies in place that will make any construction project more efficient, cost effective, on time, on budget and – ultimately – more accountable to the residents of Aurora and Council.
Here is what I said…..
2 Responses
I volunteer to do a full virtual photo tour of the JOC, empty third floor and all. 360 degree photographs Free. Let taxpayers see what they paid for.
I look forward to finding out if possible who it was that approved the removal of some of the items from the scope of the projects work ( such as the paving of the parking lot that will now cost tax payers almost twice as much ) and didn’t tell the rest of the councilors. Total financial mismanagement in my opinion.