Council has authorized staff to award the tender for the base components of the Maryborough Community Centre renovation project, including a new entrance canopy, to Sax Construction Inc.
The company’s bid of $671,200 plus HST was the lowest of five presented to council on Sept. 26.
Council also approved an additional debenture amount of $206,124 to fund the project.
Councillors made the decision to proceed with a two-stage renovation process on Aug. 22 after submitted bids for the original tender, which closed on July 25, were substantially higher than the budget amount council had authorized.
In January the township learned it was successful in obtaining $259,800 through the Ontario 150 Community Capital Grant Program for the hall in Moorefield, which was built in 1967.
The tender from Sax Construction included a $621,400 bid for the base project elements and $49,800 for the entrance canopy.
The re-tendered base project consists of:
– accessibility ramps, inside and outside of the building;
– lighting upgrades;
– washroom upgrades (including accessibility requirements) and vestibule;
– floor and ceiling replacement;
– painting;
– new concrete patio including all fencing, gates, hardware;
– heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacement (includes incidental roof repairs around new unit installations); and
– replace existing electrical service equipment in the electrical room.
The budget for the project is based upon pre-tender estimates and a total budget of $625,420.
Acceptance of the latest tender will allow for completion of the base project within the stipulated time frame for qualification to receive the provincial grant funding, which has a project completion date of March 31, explains a staff report from public works director Sam Mattina.
Additional elements of the project will be considered for construction following completion of the base project, the report states.
“Is it conceivable that we’re going to have a million dollars into this building?” asked councillor Michael Martin.
Although conceding the additional elements beyond the base project are “substantial,” Mattina replied, “I don’t believe we’re looking at another $400,000” to complete the project.
“It seems like a lot of money to me, too,” said councillor Marlene Ottens.
“But as my husband always says, ‘It’s not going to get any cheaper next year.’”
