Wellington County council has awarded the contract for a $12.5-million social housing project in Fergus to a Kitchener firm.
Ball Construction was appointed in April to handle construction management for the 55-unit social housing project known as Webster Place (with an $18,000 tender).
At the Feb. 25 meeting, council awarded the contract for the construction portion of the project to the firm for $12,489,393 exclusive of HST.
In a report to council, purchasing manager Mark Bolzon noted Ball Construction has been working closely with county staff and Grinham Architects to develop the final design and scope for the project.
“It was the intent of staff to report back in September 2015 with a construction tender amount for award; however the schedule related to design and tendering for construction has been revised to accommodate the inclusion of a co-generation plant,” Bolzon stated.
Co-generation project
The contract for construction of the co-generation project for Webster Place was also awarded at the Feb. 25 meeting, to 1503647 Ontario Limited (DBS), for $270,930 exclusive of a 10% design contingency and exclusive of HST.
The co-generation project will be funded from the county’s Green Initiatives reserve.
Co-generation is a new technology for Canadian multi-unit residential buildings. It involves the simultaneous production and utilization of thermal (heat) and electrical energy.
The Webster Place system will include installation of two 19-kilowatt combined heat and power generators.
“This option resulted in a rate of return on investment of 23% which is substantially greater than the county’s long-term borrowing rate of 3.51%. The payback of the initial investment would be expected in approximately six years,” states a report from county treasurer Ken DeHart.
The report also notes “Moving forward with this project will also assist Centre Wellington Hydro to meet its mandate to conserve electrical energy in the province.”
“I think it’s a great project and it makes a lot of common sense,” said Warden George Bridge.
Construction on the project, formerly known as Fergusson Place Phase II (located at Highway 6 and Gordon Street in Fergus), is expected to begin this spring.
