Budget for Bluenose II rebuild jumps by $1-million

The cost of rebuilding the Bluenose II has jumped by $1-million. Sources say the province has agreed to increase the project's budget to $15.9-million on advice from an international regulatory agency. Project manager Craig Chisholm says the shipbuilding agency called for changes to make sure the schooner is safe, including a requirement for steel reinforcements in the deck. The $14.8-million project, funded by the provincial and federal governments, began last fall. It was expected to be completed this spring, but the province now says the replica will set sail next summer. The last plank was attached to the ship's hull last month.