City Set to Overhaul Capital Project Management

The City takes measures to oversee and change its project management practices

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 23, 2017 5:00 PM

The City of Nanaimo has taken measures to oversee and change its project management practices following the November 20 release of a Deloitte Report as part of its Core Services Review.

The “City of Nanaimo Capital Project Planning, Design, Delivery and Operation Process Review” by Deloitte, an international consulting firm, assessed and reported on four of the City’s departments that states, “For the year 2016, the City budgeted $50.6 million for its capital projects, whereas the actual spend was $24.9 million.”

As a result of a comprehensive review of key departments and their capital projects, an RFP has been issued to identify consultants who will now oversee three experienced senior managers and their teams as they plan, design and deliver the City's capital projects for 2018.

With $188 million in planned spending on capital projects from 2017-2021, the City expects that by following Deloitte's recommendations, spending will stay on track.

"I trust in the work of Senior Management at the City of Nanaimo," says City of Nanaimo Chief Administrative Officer Tracy Samra, adding that the City has dedicated, experienced and talented managers and employees that have proven themselves over the years. "These measures are being put into place to ensure diligent and effective project management.”

Councillor Jerry Hong says, "The report has provided Council with a lot of information, and has shown that Council has work to do to bring our city up to best practice standards with other municipalities. Our city, like everything else, is dynamic and change is often necessary.”

Adds Councillor Gordon Fuller: "The Core Review recognized many areas which could benefit from greater savings to the taxpayer and efficiency of programs. The Deloitte Report, as with other reports, will more narrowly define those areas and better improve efficiency.”

Chief Financial Officer Victor Mema states "We believe these changes will result in millions in tax dollar savings. Taxation rates should be reduced as we manage multi-year projects."

"It will take time for the recommendations to be fully put into practice," notes Ms. Samra. "Implementation of recommendations have already started with Fire Hall #1 and will take up to 12 months."

The Deloitte report was presented to council on November 20, 2017, and can be found in that days Council agenda on the City's website.

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