Brantford city staff has found enough in reserve funds to cover the extra cost for the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre rebuild, in order to make sure there is no impact on the tax rate.

Council approved a recommendation that would see the $5.6 million in additional costs come from contingency accounts, casino reserves and the 2009 surplus.

“The intent was to not cut anything from the project while having no impact on the tax levy, and I think we did that,” said Coun. John Sless. “No projects are being pushed back to do this either.”

Council learned last month that the project was going to be over the budget that was being shared three ways by the city, federal and provincial governments, and that anything above and beyond the $48.6 million would have to be covered by the city or cut from the project.

After first deciding to trim the overage by eliminating such things as a 1,000-seat arena, running track, therapy pool, and 3,300 square foot sports hall of recognition, council changed their mind and decided to find the extra money.

First, $800,000 will come from a contingency fund that is left over from the 2008 surplus.

Then a further $600,000 will be drawn from the remaining casino stipends the city receives quarterly for being home to the Casino Brantford.

The remaining $4.2 million is going to be taken from the projected 2009 surplus and any other monies found while councillors clean up the capital budget.

If that doesn’t turn out to be enough, the city would commit all forthcoming 2010 casino transfers to the project as well.

City manager John Brown noted that spending money it hasn’t received yet is in contravention to the city’s strategic financial plan, but said this is likely the only way to do this without impacting taxes.

Coun. Vince Bucci wanted to take a look at the capital budget and see if any projects could be pushed back to help pay for the Gretzky centre, but Coun. Richard Carpenter said that was not possible.

“Because this is stimulus money from the federal government, they include a clause that doesn’t allow you to lower your capital spending and still receive money from them,” said Carpenter. “It wouldn’t be ‘stimulus’ if cities just took the infrastructure money and used it to pay for things they were already planning on doing.”

As for the construction at this point, the city’s general manager of engineering, Sandra Lawson, said the foundation is now in for the two back rinks and steel is on order.

“The underground work is progressing and we will be applying for a full building permit soon,” said Lawson.

She said there is one change to note because of a delay in schedule.

“The Red and Blue rinks will no longer be demolished in May 2010, as the two new rinks won’t be completed until early 2011. This is to ensure the city has two rinks available at all times.”