This story was updated on Jan. 17 at 2:23 a.m.
This story was updated on Jan. 17 at 4:19 p.m.
With timelines remaining uncertain, the AMS and Society of Professional Graduate Students (SGPS) have been left questioning whether the long-awaited JDUC move-in will become a reality.
In a t statement released on Jan. 14 at approximately 2 p.m., the AMS and SGPS announced they’ll no longer move into the JDUC this month due to repeated delays caused by labour shortages. They added that no new timeline will be announced until both organizations can confirm the building is fully ready. These delays have resulted in a lack of confidence in the project’s overall schedule.
“As a result, we no longer have confidence in any projected completion dates. Following our most recent discussions, we have made the decision to stop planning around tentative timelines,” the statement said.
In an interview with The Journal on Jan. 15, SGPS President Emils Matiss acknowledged the difficulties posed by the delays while stressing the importance of ensuring the building meets high standards upon completion. The SGPS has paused its plans for packing and moving until a firm opening date for the JDUC is determined.
“While this may frustrate some, our services remain accessible, and much of the SGPS already operates remotely, so the impact is minimal,” Matiss said.
In the same interview, AMS President Owen Rocchi discussed the strain the delays place on AMS services that rely on in-person interaction.
“Unlike the SGPS, the AMS is heavily dependent on in-person operations,” Rocchi said in an interview with The Journal. “The repeated delays do cause strains on our workload and add stress to students that is unnecessary.”
The revitalized JDUC will house AMS services, offices, and commissions, including Common Ground Coffeehouse’s sister location, The Brew, Tricolour Outlet, and the new AMS Media Centre.
Despite the repeated delays, both executives agree there’s “so much to be grateful for,” starting with the advocacy of the students who initiated this project and the value the building will provide to future students. In 2019, a redevelopment plan for the JDUC was approved following a campus-wide referendum.
READ MORE: What’s the deal with the JDUC?
Two days before the JDUC’s anticipated occupancy date of Nov. 29, the University announced that the revitalization project wouldn’t receive its expected occupancy permit on schedule
In an interview with The Journal on Nov. 29, AMS President Owen Rocchi clarified the term “occupancy” refers to the building being finished to a point where stakeholders and staff may enter the building without construction gear, such as hard hats, steel toe boots, and safety goggles. “Readiness,” on the other hand, refers to the point when the building is prepared for services, stores, and groups to move in and begin operating.
The date was subsequently delayed again to Jan. 20, with the Steering Committee notifying stakeholders on Jan. 9.
On Jan. 6, AMS permanent staff, head managers, and assistant managers received an e-mail from the AMS Facilities Office stating the plan was to pack that week, move the following week, and begin work on Jan. 20.
READ MORE: Another JDUC move-in delay causes AMS to withhold setting a firm timeline
The AMS and SGPS reiterated while they’re advocating for students’ needs and engaging in ongoing discussions with the University, they don’t control the project timelines—this responsibility lies on the University. They expressed frustration over the repeated empty promises regarding completion dates.
“While construction delays are not uncommon, the repeated promises of opening dates followed by last-minute delays have been regrettable,” the release read.
In a statement to The Journal, the University attributed the construction delays to trade shortages and complex site conditions in the original wing of the JDUC, but they said that the new wing of the JDUC is expected to be open by the end of the current semester.
Donna Janiec, vice-president (finance and istration) stated while she understands the frustration of both the AMS and SGPS, she appreciates their continued understanding as the JDUC project reaches its final stages.
At this time, there’s no confirmed date for project completion, the move-in of student associations, or the public opening of the JDUC. The AMS and SGPS emphasized they would only provide updates when there is certainty about a finalized opening date, even as the University may share anticipated completion dates.
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