PDA

View Full Version : Rink Expansion



Willis on the Welfare
07-18-2005, 02:53 PM
This subject is dicussed a few topics down but I feel it deserves a thread of it's own.

Plans for the Civic Center are again put on hold. Our City Council, which has spent liberally on a sh*t treatment facility, skateboard park, lights at the ball park, two city hall location transfers and the worst slogan since "make 7 Up yours", has decided to kibosh the current plans. Are they on hold? Was the plan too expensive? Have they decided not to renovate? No one knows. The City has had forums for skate parks, plebicites and public meetings for casinos yet nothing for the renovation of the biggest part of the city, the Civic Center.

For some of the projects the city has hit full speed ahead, the lack of commitment to the Civic Center is apalling.

Sandy Larson can show up at the Bronco awards banquet and make a speech in her serious voice about how important the Broncos are to the community, yet City Council is more concerned with proactively preparing to deal with effluent than they are our hockey team. Why are we in such a hurry to make a waste water facility? I use the toilet, I flush the toilet, the contents of the bowl disappears. All good. Why do we need to spend 15 mil right now to change that?

I've said it before, I'll say it again; the arena is the crown jewel of any dynasty. Our city council's crown jewel is an effluent plant. Sh**ty Council.

We delay because of the curling club. Why? Give the curling club an asbestos free place to play and tell them if they want more to do the fundraising themselves. The fact we put our rink plans and the fate of junior hockey on hold for a sport that DOES NOT DRAW is apalling. The Broncos draw thousands of people 40 times a year. Curling will bring a crowd of 200 tops. The Tankard was in Swift Current a few years ago and I defy anyone that says more than 100 people were there watching at any given time. Remember the Dynamic Classic? Me neither. Don't say a better facility will make people interested in freezing their ass off while chasing a rock with a broom.

If you want to make curlers happy sink $20,000 into the Big I and get the p*ss smell out.

The arena is priority one in any vibrant and growing city. Plans are in place for a new facility in the Hat. Lethbridge is always improving the Enmax. If you think the Saddledome has gone five years without some kind of upgrade you're on glue. Look a cities the same size as Swift. Cranbrook? 4,000 seat arena with a wavepool and a food court. Yorkton? Yorkton is putting 20 mil into their arena. Yorkton is growing in terms of population, not to mention a large trading area with places like Melville and Esterhazy really close by.

Is it ridiculous to entertain the idea of the Yorkton Broncos? A $20,000,000 reno to their barn, they're going to want something in there.

That would hurt.

I suppose we don't need to worry about losing the Broncos. Some good family entertainment in the form of a casino is on the way.

Jovorock
07-18-2005, 03:49 PM
What's the population of Yorkton and Swift and how far apart are the two cities?

Toswammi
07-18-2005, 06:11 PM
Yeah, whats up with all this. Geez if we are in such a big financial boom, why can't we spend the money we need to make the old CCC into a slightly newer CCC. This news is really getting agrivating for sure, if they are having money concerns, sell the naming rights of the building to Coke for the money needed, at least the CokeaCola Center is still the CCC. Here is my hope, they are waiting until hockey season, and announce it at a hockey game, it would make sense to me. Sandy Larson seems to me to be one who loves the publicity, and this would give her the spotlight, but if she really wants to make noise, how about a provincal gov't sponsered venture to put a brand new rink swift.

Son of a Preacher Man
07-19-2005, 09:31 AM
This city council is starting to scare me. They came in with all this crap of vote for me and you will see the city boom. Boom is right but lets get our heads on straight. This effluent plant will draw thousands from the S.W. It can only help draw industry. The Indians ball club draw maybe 1,000 people for two months to our ever growing city. So lets spends lots on lights. Yet the Bronco's who draw 2500 people to the city 36 times a year get dick. Makes no sense. Come on Larson, you made the commitment and now you are saying oh well. This is ticking me off.

Son of a Preacher Man
07-19-2005, 12:27 PM
My point on this is the Swift Current Bronco's are very importent to this city. Moose Jaw has already received a letter telling the club that renovations are needed to bring the rink up to league specs. Swift Current will not be far behind in getting a letter from the league if these reno's are on hold much longer.

The effluent plant is great for the city's future but so are the Bronco's. There was no pause in spending 15 million on the plant. Also the curling rink and ice hockey bring alot to this city, more so than the Indians. The ball season is two months not 8-10 months like the Bronco's. My point here is why is it so hush hush. The renovation to the CC is long over due and needed for the viability of the Bronco's. More suites add revenue. Another concession in the new area will also add to it.

Scout
07-19-2005, 01:48 PM
I don't like the silence either. No news is not good news in this case. There has to be a major problem here or the city would be already talking to the media and would be releasing news leaks. I'm hoping this is not in the garbage already or it will be one more shot in the foot for junior hockey. We nned this reno. Maybe we should ask an alderman when we see one of them around town.

Scout

Willis on the Welfare
07-20-2005, 03:09 PM
I caught the tail end of something on the radio about rink expansion. Sounds like the plans were steak and lobster and the City is thinking more like an extra value meal. Back to the drawing board.

This is a joke.

The Ball Park get's the best set of lights in Western Canada. We've already addressed the multi-million dollar crap plant not to mention 200+ thousand dollars of skatepark. Don't get me wrong, all of that is good for the community, but to get all Dyck Friesen with the Civic Center shows that Council's priorities are out of whack.

VOTE WILLI$ 2006!!!

Tinner
07-20-2005, 03:23 PM
heres my take.....small centers with limited sponsorship help are prime targets for franchise transfers or buyouts. Edmonton is chomping at the bit. Ownership groups, whether public or private, will look at any substantial offer. So what keeps a team where its at, strong owners, strong communities and most of all, a rink capable of supporting the team. Players want to be part of a class organization, and have a decent rink to play in. Fans want a decent rink to view the game and the issue is money. What kind of ecomomic impact does the team bring to the City? 36 games a year.....and as I have read in the earlier posts, sh*t does run downhill, at least in Swift.

Willis on the Welfare
07-20-2005, 04:05 PM
In the past, Swift Current's mayor has appeared at the Broncos awards banquet saying the Broncos are an important part of the city and she is commited to their staying in Swift Current.

Hogwash.

For Sandy Larson to appear one moment pledging support for the Broncos and then tightening the purse strings and going TOTALLY SILENT on the Broncos huge financial loss shows her loyalty to the Broncos is analagous to Henry Burris commitment to a Rider Grey Cup.

Am I saying the City should come to the financial aid of the Broncos? No.

Should our elected officials start to walk the walk and spend some time talking about the Broncos and how they can help at the next council meeting?
Wouldn't hurt.

Let's not make this all about the Broncos either. A well upgraded arena transcends just hockey. If you build it they will come.

Scout
07-20-2005, 04:13 PM
The Bronco are very good for our economy and always will be. I'm a business owner and i have seen the impact. There are anywhere between 2,000 and 2,500 per game. I'm guessing over 50% are from surrounding area's. These are people that travel into town for the game. They come early and do their grocery shopping, eat at a restaurant, some get a hotel for the evening. I see so many people from out of town shopping in my store when there is a game. Business in this town do support the team, except the ones that benefit the most. I see very few adds in programs or on rink boards for restaurants and hotels. Where the frig is a Macdonalds sign or A&W. How many of these people that attend games stop at a fast food place? Lots.

Now the city has to see the economic impact this team has. The Indians ball club gets $250,000.00 for new lights. They get 800 fans a game and most are from Swift. They spend $15,000,000.00 for a crap spreader and don't bat an eye. Now they are talking of spending $1,000,000.00 on a new fire truck. How many fire trucks do we need. The ones i see look new and shiney. How much is the new City Hall costing us? How about renovations to it? How much to renovate and relocate the museum?

I have nothing against growth as we are in the biggest economic boom since the 70's, but along with the boom has to be reno's to what draws the most people and puts Swifty on the national map and thats the Bronco's. Financially we are fine right now as we have a good stash in the bank for rainy days. I don't care if we use the rink rent free, that is part of bringing people to town and spending their money in Swift to keep businesses going.

As for Edmonton? They failed once and bad. I was at games in Edmonton and that rink was quarter full and quieter than a funeral. Swift has strong ownership with over 100 businesses being shareholders. We put our money where our mouth was by buying shares, now the city should do theirs by keeping the rink up to standards. As small markets moving? Small market teams were the backbone of this league. Flin Flon, Estevan, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, etc, They are true blue 100% hockey. You see guys like Tiger Williams, Bryon Trottier, Joe Sakic, Marc Hadscheid, Pat Marleau, etc. return to these little hockey town each summer. Why? Because places like Swift have become their second homes. It became their second homes because of the people, the way they were treated when they played here. That says something about how the players enjoy playing in little towns. They play as a team and they chum together as a team. They are part of our community unlike the so called major centers where nobody knows who they are. I've watched alot of games in the Dub, and i enjoy watching games in the old barns that are loud and proud and packed than a 16,000 seat rink that has 5,000 for a game.

Scout

Willis on the Welfare
07-20-2005, 04:47 PM
That was your best post EVER Scout!!!

Toswammi
07-20-2005, 05:45 PM
Well listening to the old fm news and lone behold the seagull has a news story about the renos. One thing that strikes me. They don't want to spend "taxpayers money" or that "the taxpayers don't want us to spend that much money". Sounds like excuses, and i am really hoping they dont cheap out on the fans of the team and the city. I dont see the problem to spend more money now, have a quality building, or at least part of one. Further i dont know if its possible, but attempt some gov't assistance for the project you always here about organizations getting gov't assistance for various projects.

In two or three years when this is finally done, and i walk in the building to admire the work, i better see something of awesome quality and not some half-assed project to make some people happy.

Scout
07-20-2005, 06:36 PM
I'm not sure if there is assistance for something like that. Could be looked into tho. Coca Cola Center also sounds fine to me. Willis you hit the nails on the head. I think city council knows and believes the Bronco's are important to our city, but i've been told it's the finance commitee that has a problem with it. But i had a thought. Lets see if we can salvage the old wood bleachers. Put them on the end and hang poly for shelter. Now that would be less expensive. Then we can sell value meals from McDonalds, and unlike a steak dinner which takes it's time to digest, the value meal will make fast and good use of the $15 million dollar effluent plant as people run to the can.

The Bronco's try very hard and are succeeding on running a first class organization to attract players. Same should be said for the rink and reno's.

My new sign out will be:

Willis for Mayor 2006 campaign commitee

Scout

LOYALTY
07-21-2005, 01:34 PM
made on the subject of the reno's.City council needs to get their priorities in order, I agree that they can't just give to one project and not another but give to whatever generates the most in returns first.
yes you hear on the news "x-amount" allocated for this and that project, I am not sure how they come up with the figures, makes no sense to me in a city where "life makes sense". if more money is generated from hockey then give more to hockey than curling-that makes sense. ask bob dyke if a fire truck lasts 20-40 years and our is only 19 then why spend a million on a new one-that doesn't make sense.if city hall is going to be made of teller stations and offices (which is what is already at the "new location" then why renovate-that doesn't make sense (hopefully we are not putting out our hard earned money for some fancy flooring or a marble conference table for the mayor).if the museum is based on history,why move it to a new building-that doesn't make sense. I could go on and on, the bottom line is there seems to be a lot of money wasted on trivial things where it could and should be put to use on a building that can generate thousands and thousands of dollars into our community each year...seems like we do everything 2nd rate too late.
all these posts should either go into our "Booster-letter to the editors" or straight to the mayor's desk....let's get some answer's-no more beating around the bush with comments that might make us go away because we are not going away until the expansion is done. :burningma

Willis on the Welfare
07-21-2005, 02:48 PM
This is great! The normally mild mannered Loyalty and Scout typing daggers. We don't need to write letters to the editor, we have our voice right here. You can't tell me the alder-people aren't reading this forum. We make a few posts about the CCC and days later it's all over the radio. We have the attention of the city and we're foolish to think they aren't checking this page at least five times a day to see what we say next.

I love the comment from from Dawna Wiebe about us tax payers not wanting to spend a signifigant amount on the Civic Center. Since when does the city care what we want? I don't see anyone asking public opinion about a new fire truck? Did we not drop $25,000 on a camera for the fire department that they've used once? Did the camera save the Carlton Building?

Let's look into the real reason for the effluent plant. The plant will cut down on the smell from the lagoons. Without the smell from the lagoons, some friends of the mayor who like to video tape people in hotel rooms stand a better chance at a feedlot. Coincidence?

Has anyone ever given a friend or relative a drive around tour of Swift Current? While our city has many lush trees and splash parks, I ask anyone to tell me what Swift Current has to be proud of? Aside from Bronco History, a Credit Union and a 1st place semi pro ball team that draws 400 fans, Swift Current has NOTHING. It's no wonder our sports fans are quiet, we live in a city VOID OF PRIDE. Are visitors from other cities amazed at the laser wash at the COOP? Are relatives from Calgary stricken with awe at the amazing lights at the ball park? Are our hearts going to swell with pride when a gigantic McWal-Mart is unveiled?

As Loyalty pointed out we do live "Where Life Makes Sense". Sure it does make sense to not put too much money into renovations for our rink. If we want this city to grow in numbers and in pride it is time to NOT MAKE SENSE AND TAKE SOME RISKS!!! Hey Sandy, Gord, Jerrod, Bob, Tim, John and the other councillor, torch that idiotic slogan, go out on limb and think about the city and not worry about whether you'll get elected next time around!

At least one of you won't, cause Willi$ is on the way!!!

Vote Willi$ 2006

Scout
07-21-2005, 04:37 PM
I never throw daggers. I just get a little frustrated on how the biggest and most entertaining sport in Swift gets second fiddle. I love my hockey and i love the Bronco's. They are playing in the smallest market in the C.H.L. Lets step up and show the rest of Canada we do belong in this league. That starts with the businessess and they have with buying shares. Now the city has to step up and do their part. It still puzzles me why the W.H.L. lets us continue to be in the best league in Canada. With large centers like Edmonton,Winnipeg, etc. dangling millions to get in the league we can't take this team for granted or drag our feet or they will be gone.

Loyalty, you made a very good post on each business buying a season ticket for give away. I will make sure the new PR guy see's it. I never thought of it and it is so easy to do. That maybe something for the new Champions of the Bronco's to take on. All these businesses benefit from the people who come to town for games, but some like to stand back and reap the benefit and make the rest pay. Time to go after them and make them pay up. Look out Root Bear they are coming for you.

"Willis for Mayor 2006 Commitee"

Scout

Willis on the Welfare
07-21-2005, 04:53 PM
Maybe "Typing daggers" was a bit over the top.

Hopefully council sees in our posts that people are not passionate about effluent, fire engines and curling but we are passionate about the Swift Current Broncos.

Kudos to the Broncos for putting up a board sign at Indians Field. Is this the work of the Boutilier/Nyhagen connection?

rinkrat
07-21-2005, 07:41 PM
How is the economy in Swift? Housing prices?Jobs?

Scout
07-21-2005, 09:47 PM
We are in one of the biggest economic booms since the 70's. Matter of fact there is a real shortage of trades people and they are bringing them in from other area's. Housing prices are also up around 20% higher than 3 years ago and there is a shortage of good houses in the mid 100's. Jobs are still a little scarce. Not sure why but i think if you look hard you will find a decent job.

Scout

ointhecreek
07-22-2005, 06:36 PM
One other thing that should be noted is the new water treatmant plant was pretty much a must to prevent the spillage of raw waste into the creek. How would you like to live down stream. The lagoon system is at pretty much capacity at a warning from envirement Canada to improve things was issued. I know the snails pace for renos is frustating but they will come. The city is just being real careful and wants to do it right for the money they have to work with. This isn't Alberta folks, there isn't alot of money floating around Speedy Creek. Lets all calm down and take a chill pill and focus on the good things about this city and the Broncos upcoming season. It's a great safe place to raise a family and a great entertaining hockey team that we as a small city are privlidged to have to watch.
ok, my rant is done. :spineyes:

wango tango
07-26-2005, 09:23 PM
remember how often do you use the toilet, sink, or shower each day? how often do you use the ccc each day?

not everyone in swift current, as those are the taxpayers footing the bill, will use the ccc even once a year. everyone will use the john everyday all year. waste water treatment has to be first.

i do hope council does the right thing and gets the renos started in short order. i also hope they do it right and don't cheap out as the future of the broncos in swift hangs in the balance.

Scout
07-27-2005, 07:42 AM
Not sure if this is true, but i was told it is the curling rink that is the hold up. It seems the prints are fine and in order for the rink reno's, but the curling club is the hold up. Was told the curling club wants the best of the best which is driving up the cost. Not sure if it's true. Anyone heard anything on this?

Scout

ointhecreek
07-29-2005, 04:40 PM
Hate to be the bringer of bad news, boys and girls, but it has been put on hold for at least this year. Heard through the constuction grapevine.

Flathead
07-29-2005, 11:18 PM
Hate to be the bringer of bad news, boys and girls, but it has been put on hold for at least this year. Heard through the constuction grapevine.

Was told it has something to do with the new hospital being over budget. What all involvment does the city have with the new hospital?

ointhecreek
07-30-2005, 09:11 AM
I never heard it has anything to do with new hosp. I have my doubts, most of the hosp money comes from alot of other sources, not the city of Swift Current. The ccc reno plans came from the designer way over so they sent back to redo. I also heard stories about the curling end of it wanting alot and putting it over but just rumour.

Flathead
07-30-2005, 01:51 PM
The city does have to put up some money towards the hospital though, right?

ointhecreek
07-30-2005, 04:56 PM
The city does have to put up some money towards the hospital though, right?
Yes, but I don't see it effecting the ccc renos.

Flathead
08-17-2005, 09:23 PM
Mayor Sandy announced today that because of other ventures being under budget the new city hall gets another 100 thousand for more renovations. The money will be used for landscaping and flowers. Hello, we have a major junior hockey team and a curling club that needs a rink if we want them to be around. Oh ya the Mayor only goes to a game in an election year, and once to pull a ticket. We know your priorities only involve looking out for number one, thanks Mayor Sandy. We wouldn't want you to be seen going to work at a new city hall without a grand entrance.
What's the real deal with the hold up at the CCC? It's starting to get me a little upset.

Scout
08-17-2005, 10:18 PM
Is this for real? I see we are also getting our new million dollar fire truck. Last i heard and read we are one of the farthest indebt cities in the province. Yet what does boost our business economy is hockey, but there is no money for that. hmmmm. Yah want to hear the best part. The design for the new City Hall is for only two public parking stalls for the public. The rest is for city employees. When asked where people who need to do business should park they replied on the street.

Scout

Willis on the Welfare
08-18-2005, 10:54 AM
Haven't made a post here in a while cause I've been all about the Jays and their quest for a playoff spot. How about those Swift Current Indians? Willis loves the baseball!!!

The Swift Current Indians got some lights at the ball park. They weren't free and the club pays through the nose to use them, but since they've been installed the Indians have

1. Won a pennant and went to the league final with a team that had no business even in the playoffs in '04

2. Won the league title in '05

3. Damn near TRIPLED attendance.

4. Attracted rowdy fans that GOT NAKED at a ball game.

The cost; $150,000 for lights. Don't tell there weren't economic spin offs to a solid ball season.

Now let's get cracking on the Civic Centre. It's amazing that we get a new fire truck because the EMT of the group of councillors wanted one. Now City Hall needs to be prettier for the people that work there. It's time to listen to the tax payers and not each other. A fire truck will not stimulate econmoic growth, either will a city hall that will look like it was decorated by ***** Eye for the Straight Guy.

This is getting redundant. Look what new lights did for local ball team. Imagine what could be done to the CCC. A nice new arena would stimulate the one thing that separates Swift Current from major cities; PRIDE! It will show in our fans and our players. City Council must do the right thing or else:

VOTE WILLIS!!!

LOYALTY
08-18-2005, 01:22 PM
my vote in the next election that is for sure, she sure seems to like to spend money...and can't seem to get any priorities straight.....when you are short on one project (ccc) and you have a surplus from others you don't go and put it towards City Hall to make it look "more pretty"...honestly get REAL..... even if the ccc didn't need remodeling, if you have a surplus save it for a rainy don't spend it foolishly...WE THE PEOPLE OF SWIFT CURRENT DON'T NEED A FANCY BUILDING TO GO AND PAYOUR BILLS, IT ONLY MAKES US ANGRY TO SEE WHERE OUR HARD EARNED TAX MONEY GOES WHEN YOU MAKE UNECCISARY DECISIONS...your are right start letting the people of the city make some financial decisions and things would get done right in this ***** backwards place where only fools like to think it makes sense.....may have been a bit harsh but that is how I feel. :burningma

Ms. Hockey
08-18-2005, 02:04 PM
That if they didn't spend that extra money to make it look nicer, everyone would be on here b****ing about how ugly the new City Hall is. Makes me laugh.
The reason the rink expansion has not been started is because the contractors keep coming back with a plan that's over budget (and from what I hear, over budget on the curling rink side, not hockey rink). There's a budget for a reason...once the plan comes back and is do-able with the budget the City has set aside and the building begins, it will go over budget, so it's necessary to begin under budget.
The other thing to remember is, regardless if the architects had come back a month ago with the plans, the rink would not be ready in time anyways. At least this way the plans will be perfect and building can begin ASAP next year.

LOYALTY
08-18-2005, 02:55 PM
I really don't think people are going to say (city hall) "I can't beleive what this place looks like I wished they would have spent more of my tax money to plant those flowers, etc " and if they do then I guess they have more money than brains.....(I am not trying to start a battle this is just my opinion just like you have yours)....so anyway if it is the curling rink that is putting it over budget then worry about the curling rink plans at a later date, alocate x amount for each project and get on with the ccc renovations.... :spineyes:

Flathead
08-21-2005, 02:07 PM
That if they didn't spend that extra money to make it look nicer, everyone would be on here b****ing about how ugly the new City Hall is. Makes me laugh.
The reason the rink expansion has not been started is because the contractors keep coming back with a plan that's over budget (and from what I hear, over budget on the curling rink side, not hockey rink). There's a budget for a reason...once the plan comes back and is do-able with the budget the City has set aside and the building begins, it will go over budget, so it's necessary to begin under budget.
The other thing to remember is, regardless if the architects had come back a month ago with the plans, the rink would not be ready in time anyways. At least this way the plans will be perfect and building can begin ASAP next year.
How can you say it will go over budget, when the Mayor says the extra money is coming from projects that came up under budget? I would tend to believe that projects rarely go under budget as well, but shouldn't the mayor know? Somethings not adding up.
And for the record I think the old Credit Union looked just fine the way it was for a city hall.

LOYALTY
08-22-2005, 10:02 AM
And for the record I think the old Credit Union looked just fine the way it was for a city hall.

no kidding on that statement, redo the inside which consists of a bunch of wicket booths and offices only to build new ones, this picture definitely doesn't sit well with the majority of tax payers.... :confused:

Oh-Vee
08-24-2005, 12:09 PM
Now that Saskatchewan has signed onto the Gas agreement and the town and cities will be given some cash. I don't suppose that Swift will be getting a great deal of cash and the cash is to be used for "environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure."

I don't know how you can say that reno's to the CCC are environmentally sustainable however the waste treatment plant surely is.

The way I see it funds that were set aside for the plant can now be used for other projects. Perhaps there is a little bit more wiggle room in the budget for the CCC.

dubfan
09-12-2005, 01:02 PM
Has anyone heard anything new or the latest on the rink expansion. There was a lot of lead up for the council meeting on aug 30 but no talk since. Hope all is on line and approvals get in place, it will be a great source of renewal and excitement for the city.

Scout
09-12-2005, 01:34 PM
Haven't heard boo. Last i heard was the last quote came more in line. But still no word when or if there will be a start date. Hope it's soon.

Scout

Scout
09-13-2005, 07:08 AM
City council last night approved the expansion of the Civic Center. Included in the expansion is the new curling rink. They will be adding 800 + seats, new concessions on the east end, new luxury suites added to the east end and new dressing rooms. Expansion is supposed to take 17 months to complete. Not sure when expansion will start but at least council approved it.

Scout

Chipper
09-13-2005, 08:13 AM
Great news! That sounds like the City Councel are realizeing the economic benefits of haveing a WHL hockey team and don't want to lose it.

CHtoo
09-13-2005, 08:51 AM
2005-09-13
By: swiftcurrentonline.com news



It’s a process, but another step was taken with Civic Centre expansion at City Council.

Swift Current City Council has approved P-1 Architecture to do the construction and design of the expansion plans for the Civic Centre.

City Council already approved the conceptual design last month, said to be in upwards of 10.5 to 12.5 million dollars. Total costs are still unknown.

Officially, the plans will include seating for 800, concessionary and washroom areas up top, new dressing rooms and Olympia Room downstairs, a lobby expansion, six sheet curling rink with lounge and washrooms.

Design costs and blueprint designs have already cost $541,000.

Date of completion is expected to be January 6th, 2007.