David LeMay, president and CEO of Stuart Olson, takes questions from the media on Friday, April 24, 2015. (CHRISD.CA)
WINNIPEG — The construction company behind the $210 million Investors Group Field project is firing back at allegations laid out in a lawsuit by Triple B Stadium Inc.
Stuart Olson Dominion Construction held a news conference Friday to address the media and try to set the record straight on its role in constructing the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
President and CEO David LeMay said the firm did its due diligence in executing the completion of the design as approved by Triple B.
“Stuart Olson always builds to the design the customer orders. Investors Group Field is no exception. We are proud to stand behind our work on this iconic project,” LeMay said. “We have deep roots in Manitoba. We are committed to the community and it was an honour to build a new stadium for one of the CFL’s greatest teams. To receive a lawsuit on this project was disappointing.”
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ new home Investors Group Field prior to the first day of Rookie Training Camp in Winnipeg on May 29, 2012. The construction company that built Winnipeg’s new football stadium is standing behind its work. The CEO of Stuart Olson Dominion says his company is not to blame for alleged drainage issues and other problems at Investors Group Field. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Since construction was complete, Triple B Stadium has incurred costs of $4.7 million to repair snowmelt drainage into luxury suites and cracks within the facility.
Also named in the lawsuit is the stadium’s architect, Ray Wan. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
LeMay said in his nearly 30 years in the business, he has never had to stand in front of the media to discuss a project. He touted his company’s track record with other large projects, such as 201 Portage, Journey to Churchill, Shaw Park and the ongoing RBC Convention Centre expansion.
“Our legal defence will be vigorous. Our statement of defence speaks for itself, but we are confident our position is strong,” LeMay added.
The cost of repairs hasn’t yet been tallied, but the concrete concourse will be replaced next winter, while workers continue to install insulation in suites and at the concession level.
The facility will host the Grey Cup later this year.
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