Stadium won't be finished until after the CFL season

The new Tim Hortons Field stadium wont be finished until the end of Novemberafter the season is over and after theTicats last possible home playoff game.

And one city official says he doubts itll even be ready by then. Once councillor said he is "disgusted" by the construction process.

The stadium was initially supposed to be finished on June 30, and has had numerous missed deadlines since. Infrastructure Ontario now estimates asubstantial completion date of Nov. 28, said Gerry Davis, the citys head of public works.

But Davis is skeptical that even that date will be met.

To be honest, I dont think theyll hit it, he said.

Its supposed to be three strikes and youre out. Theyve had six strikes. Theyre out twice.- Lloyd Ferguson

Based on what Ive seen with respect to the work that needs to be done, and some of items still need to be adjusted, I have difficulty believing it.

The city is very frustrated, Davis said. But its hands are tied.

Infrastructure Ontario has contracted Ontario Sports Solutions to build the $145-million stadium. The city only takes possession after the substantial completion date.

The new schedule means the stadium won't be finished in time for the last Hamilton Tiger-Cats home game on Nov. 8. It also won't be finished if the Ticats make it to the Nov. 23 eastern final.

• Builders changed Tim Hortons stadium designs mid-construction
• New Hamilton stadium 'substantial completion' by October 15

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson of Ancaster said hes disgusted. Builders "have missed the entire season."

I dont believe anything they tell me anymore, said Ferguson, who chaired the Pan Am subcommittee. Im so fed up.

The deadline has changed six times since June 30, causing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to play some of its home games at McMaster University.

The stadium hosts Ticats games now. The team also hosted at Keith Urban concert in September.

But someelevators arent finished, and much mechanical and electrical work is incomplete, Davis said.

IO initially said that an ice storm last winter put the project behind schedule, as well as issues with subcontractors. Others have chargedthat design issues played a part.

These delays are not related to weather or design, Davis said.

Ferguson said he doesnt care the reasons for the delay.

They didnt do what they said theyre going to do, he said. But I dont know what consequences we can put on them.

Its supposed to be three strikes and youre out. Theyve had six strikes. Theyre out twice.

The initial completion date was June 30, and was estimated to be finished with each newTicatshome game over the summer.

On Labour Day, theCFLteam played its first game in the partially finished stadium. Builders then estimated it would be substantially complete by Oct. 15.