The cost of reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians is rising.

A new report at Winnipeg City Hall says the total budget is now $21.2 million, a jump of $8 million.

The report says only one company bid for the contract. The cost overrun is said to be due to the “unique” nature of the project, the rushed deadline for its completion, as well as “market conditions”.

The city wants the intersection to coincide with major transit route changes starting next July.

The report says that if approved, the additional funding would come from street and sidewalk renewal budgets.

The Public Works Commission is set to vote on the new costs next week.