Police HQ report to be released Monday

Cost overruns ran the price tag for the police headquarters from an estimated $135 million to $214 million when it was completed in 2016. At least one city official took a bribe on the project, a judge ruled. (MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES)

THE province confirmed Friday the final report of the public inquiry into the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters will be released on Monday.

The release will take place at a media conference with commissioner of the Winnipeg Police Service Headquarters inquiry Garth Smorang, scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The $2.3-million public inquiry took place over 27.5 hearing dates between February and May.

The city has faced myriad problems related to the WPS headquarters, a former Canada Post office building and warehouse at Smith Street and Graham Avenue, for more than a decade.

An initial estimate put the project cost at $135 million. The price climbed to $214 million, including flood damage and security upgrades. The building was completed in 2016.

An external audit found the project was severely mismanaged, while a lengthy RCMP investigation into fraud and forgery allegations did not result in any criminal charges.

The main contractor, Caspian Projects, paid a $28-million settlement for fraud and construction deficiency lawsuits this year.

The city received a $1.15-million payment from former chief administrative officer Phil Sheegl, due to a court ruling that he accepted a $327,000 bribe from Caspian. Sheegl denied accepting a bribe before and during the inquiry.

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein sent a letter to the province on Oct. 8 asking that the final report be released before the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 28.