Originally billed at $62.3 million, new documents show the JDUC revitalization project will cost $85.6 million.
In June 2022, the AMS, SGPS, and Queen’s University signed an amendment to the original agreement that laid out the terms for the JDUC project. Under a Freedom of Information request, The Journal learned the JDUC revitalization project was $23.3 million over budget in 2022, with student fees paying for the majority of the price increase.
According to the document, the higher price comes alongside “the significant construction activity in Ontario as well as supply chain issues.”
When plans for the project passed in 2019, the JDUC revitalization project was billed at $62.3 million. Undergraduate students will now spend $62.3 million to fund the project, while graduate students will pay $9.2 million. The new cost reflects a $17.7 million and $3.2 million increase for each society respectively.
According to the AMS, services confirmed to be moving into the new JDUC building include Tricolour Outlet, Common Ground’s sister location The Brew, the Queen’s Pub, the Peer Support Centre, the AMS Food Bank, Walkhome, and the AMS Media Centre—which is an amalgamation of the P&CC and Studio Q. All AMS offices currently housed in Rideau and La Salle Halls will be relocating to the JDUC.
According to both student societies, the AMS and SGPS are working in tandem to advocate for student interests.
“The AMS is integral to our discussions about the JDUC,” Fowlie wrote.
“The space is occupied by the SPGS, AMS, and the University and so we are working closely with the AMS to negotiate the best prices for all students. We are united with the AMS in ensuring that students receive the best space possible at a rate that reflects students’ current financial landscape.”
This election season, the Student Life Centre (SLC) fee is on the ballot for undergraduate students, with the AMS seeking a $5 increase from the current $38.57 fee.
The SLC fee covers operational costs such as office rents, bookable rooms, and other club spaces. The SLC fee is being increased as the new JDUC includes features such as a fully functioning HVAC system, and accessibility 24-hours a day.
Tags
AMS, JDUC revitalization, JDUC Revitalization Investigation, SGPS
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