Bluenose II bill hefty but schooner safer, says province

Nova Scotia's top bureaucrat says although the controversial Bluenose II rebuild has been costly, the province will end up with a safer schooner.

Thelatest added cost is up to $350,000 to install the hydraulic assisted steering system of the provincially-owned vessel so its extra heavy steel rudder can be turned properly.

David Darrow, the deputy minister now responsible for overseeing the project on Premier Stephen McNeil's behalf, said he hopes this is the last big bill the province receives.

"I wouldn't say that there's absolutely zero chance of that happening," Darrow told CBC News on Tuesday.

"Based on what I know now, I'm pretty comfortable that we've got this cost estimate in hand and that there shouldn't be additional costs."

Darrow suggests there is a silver lining to the latest issue with the problem-plagued Bluenose II.

"As far as safety is concerned, it is a considerably more safe vessel than the original Bluenose," he said.

Darrow said the timber used for the rebuild makes the vessel heavier. The ballast of the schooner, which was poured closer to the keel, adds to its stability.

The Bluenose II also has six "mostly water-tight" compartments, according to Darrow. He said that makes the schooner safer in the event the hull is breached in a mishap.

Auditor general's report in the new year

"If the vessel were to sustain a puncture in the hull, one compartment would fill," he said.

"In the old Bluenose, if the vessel sustained a puncture in the hold the entire vessel would be inundated with water and it would go down very quickly. If this vessel were to capsize, it would stay afloat for a much longer period."

The province's top bureaucrat feels although it's been costly and the process was flawed from the start, he expects the schooner to once again be the pride of Nova Scotia.

Mediation is underway to resolve a dispute over $5 million worth of invoices the province is not convinced are valid extra costs. Darrow said the province is also looking at ways to recoup some money.

"That matter is in the hands of our lawyers now," he said.

Nova Scotia's auditor general is trying to figure out why this project is years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget. A team of three to four people has been going over the books and talking to those involved since the spring.

Auditor General Michael Pickup said so far, everyone's being helpful.

"If we want to talk to them we call and we've had good co-operation. And no issues with access," he said.

Pickup said his office should be able to report its findings in late January or early February.