Manitoba PCs call for review of IGF stadium construction

Manitoba's ProgressiveConservatives saya public reviewof the Investors Group Field (IGF)construction project is necessary and will reveal who is responsible for the various problemsplaguing the two-year-old stadium.

Stuart Olson, the company contracted to build IGF,said a multi-million dollarlawsuit alleging the construction firm did a bad job on on the buildisn't fair, because they were simply following specifications from stadium owners.

BBB Stadium Inc.filed a $4.72 million lawsuit against Stuart Olson andarchitectural firm Raymond Wan last month to coverbuilding repairs less than two years after the $209-million stadiumopened.

BBB Stadium Inc.,is a consortium representing the Winnipeg Football Club, the City of Winnipeg, the Province of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.

• Stuart Olson blames province and BBB for rush job on stadium

• Ron Lemieux 'extremely disappointed' about Investors Group Field problems

• Lawsuit alleges Winnipeg's IGF stadium leaky, mouldy

OnFriday, Stuart Olson president David LeMaysaid itwas "deeply disappointing" to hearcomments made by government officials that werecritical of the company's work on IGF.

"In almost 30 years in this business, I've never had to hold a press conference to talk about a project," LeMay said.

LeMay said Stuart Olson crews were rushed butfollowed approvedbuilding plans to a tee, addingthe company also discovered issues in the process of building the stadium that were brought to the attention of BBB.

"We brought our concerns to the attention of the owner," said LeMay."In the case of this project, over 500 different information requests were filed -access to the roof, heating for piping, concrete. We saw potential issues and we continuously flagged them."

LeMaysaidif the owner wants to change their design plans,that's up to them, but Stuart Olson shouldn't be held responsible for following orders.

"If they want to build something different, if they want something installed differently, that is their prerogative and we're not involved in that work," said LeMay."We're not involved in the changes that they're saying are required."

Meanwhile, the province's ProgressiveConservatives called for a public review of the project Friday.statingthe public has a right to know what led to the problems facing the stadium.

"If things were fast-tracked for political reasons, it will come out in independent audit," said PCHeather Stefanson."Something went wrong here and if you care what Manitobans want, you will [Premier Greg Selinger]call for an independent audit to get to the bottom of the questions."

Selingerwouldn't comment in detail on the matter, instead favouring to play up the positive impact the stadium has had on Winnipeg.

"What we need to know is that the stadium is serving the community very well," said Selinger."It's going to do these world class events and generate great economic benefitsas well as cultural and sporting benefits to Manitoba, and we'll let those matters sort themselves out"

ButSelinger also saidif the auditor general was convinced a review was necessary, that option is on the table.

Triple B cites drainage problems, poorinsulation, crackingconcrete and a host of other issues in its suit against Stuart Olson and Raymond Wan.

Stuart Olson responded with its statement of defence as well as across-claimagainst Raymond Wan Thursday.