Even as Trent University continues to wrangle with the general contractor that oversaw the construction of its new chemical sciences building, the university will open the facility’s doors to the public today.

“We decided with so many alumni on the campus for the Head of the Trent Regatta that it would be a great opportunity to showcase the new additions,” university president Bonnie Patterson said.

About 1,000 alumni are expected to be at the school for the rowing competition.

The open house will begin with a ceremony at 11:30 a.n. under the building’s glass steeple and will feature tours and refreshments.

The school was supposed to host a chemical sciences building opening in March but the event was postponed in light of a dispute between Trent and the general contractor Vanbots Construction Ltd.

Trent staff have been reporting for months that construction on the chemical sciences building and the Peter Gzowski College, worth in excess of $50 million including a $26 million contribution from the province’s SuperBuild program, was $3.2 million over budget.

They were also plagued with delays, one of the sore points between Trent and general contractor Vanbots Construction Corp.

Vanbots general manager Tony Vedlin said in May that Trent made $2 million worth of changes to the original design, hurting the schedule.

Trent has acknowledged some changes were made but will not reveal specifics.

Finance director Garth Brownscombe said at the time that part of the reason for the original design changes was to help keep costs under control.

However, Brownscombe said some changes and extra work Vanbots billed for were never approved.

The Examiner learned in May that 14 companies, Including Vanbots, had filed liens worth more than $9,221,605 for their work on the $19,617,381 project.

All 14 companies filed liens against the project meaning Trent cannot take ownership until the liens are resolved. The matter could end up in court if an agreement is not reached.

The lliens only affect the science building.

Trent’s vice-president of administration Don O’Leary said yesterday the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

“They remain unresolved,” he said, but added progress was being made. “We’re moving forward.”