MINTO – Domm Construction was awarded the contract for a $2-million expansion and enhancement project at the Palmerston arena and ball field.
On Dec. 21 council approved the tender of the Ayton-based company for the project, which includes additional and renovated dressing rooms at the arena and upgraded LED ball field lighting for the bid price of $2,034,589 plus HST.
The project is being funded through a $1.7-million grant from the federal/provincial Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program.
“A lot has happened since the grant announcement on April 9,” said director of community services Matt Lubbers.
“We’ve been able to get the stone dust infield and fencing poles installed for the new third diamond this fall … that gives … the field a chance to be playable in 2022 and be of benefit for the many tournaments that we host in Palmerston.”
Lubbers noted a project manager, Palmerston resident Steve Hardie, was hired shortly after the funding announcement, and he has been meeting regularly with the project team.
The town received proposals from two pre-qualified contractors, which were reviewed by the project team on Dec. 9, Lubbers reported.
The team endorsed staff bringing a report to council recommending it awards the project to Domm Construction.
“The lump sum price submitted by Domn Construction Limited was the low bid and fell below the project budget of $2.1 million,” said Lubbers.
“Their construction timeline would see the project start around April 1, with substantial completion by September.”
Lubbers noted the Palmerston and District Agricultural Society runs a variety of events on the community centre grounds leading up to the annual fall fair “and every effort will be made to mitigate any possible disruptions to these events during the construction window.”
“This is really good stuff. It’s really amazing,” said deputy mayor Dave Turton.
“Our ball diamonds in Palmerston and Minto have been second to none, we get all kinds of comments. And all this third diamond is going to do is enhance it.”
Turton suggested the upgrades could improve the town’s chances of hosting provincial and national level ball tournaments.
“It’s going to be a state-of-the art facility, the ballpark and the arena, and it’s really great. I think it’s wonderful,” Turton added.
“It’s great to have a local contractor doing a project of this size in our town,” noted councillor Judy Dirksen.
Mayor George Bridge acknowledged the contributions of the upper levels of government.
“This is the first time in a long time that we were able to apply for any kind of funding for a … recreational facility,” said Bridge.
“So I really appreciate the federal and provincial governments’ participation.
“Just because it’s a small town, we wouldn’t be able to do this without their help.”
