Motion passed for Auditor General to audit cost overruns for new rink in North Rustico

A motion presented by Green MLA Peter Bevan-Baker at Thursday’s meeting of the legislative committee on education and economic growth was passed, and a request will be made for an audit by the Auditor General of cost overruns with the construction of the new rink in North Rustico.  The rink, which was built for the Canada Games hosted by PEI last year, has cost $23-million to build — more than double the original estimated price tag of $10-million.   The town has pointed to the pandemic, inflation, and labour shortages as reasons for the cost overruns.  The provincial cabinet has authorized Finance PEI to provide a $3.5-million loan to North Rustico over a five-year term to assist in paying off some debt connected to the construction connected to the rink project.