ROCKWOOD – After a previous plan to upgrade the pavilion at Rockmosa Park came in well over budget, council is moving forward with a new way to redirect the funds.
On Aug. 8 Guelph/Eramosa council authorized staff to move forward with a revised “pivot” project for Rockmosa Park.
The new plan includes two shade structures, tree plantings, power for events, and upgrades to municipal water and sanitary services in the existing washrooms.
The project cost is estimated at $692,000, 75 per cent ($750,000) of which would be covered through the federal government’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).
“What we’ve proposed for a pivot project I’m excited about,” said Robin Milne, director of parks and recreation.
“I think it will add a lot of benefits to the park.”
In May, council approved a $1-million pavilion project that was to include the removal and replacement of the public washroom facility at Rockmosa Park.
Detailed design was completed, and the project was tendered in June. Three tenders were submitted at closing, each with pricing ranging upwards of $2 million after taxes – nearly double what was budgeted.
“The effects of the pandemic on supply chain, labour shortage, fuel price, inflation, demand on trades [has] created a volatile construction industry,” Milne told council on Aug. 8.
“It’s believed that awarding the contract tender to the low bidder in this volatile market does not get the taxpayer the proper value for money on this particular project.”
Typically, Milne said he would suggest projects that came in over budget wouldn’t get any cheaper down the road, but he told council he doesn’t believe that to be the case with this particular project.
“I think what will happen is pricing is going to correct itself,” he said. “I hope it corrects itself because if it doesn’t we’re in real trouble.”
Staff worked with the architect and the low bidder in attempt to scale the project in size and material but in the end, felt it wasn’t worth moving forward with, Milne explained.
“The deliverables would either be compromised in terms of product that isn’t robust enough to handle public use and abuse or amenities that were built or designed into that facility wouldn’t be there,” he said.
“So the thought was its not the time with the way the market is to build this project.”
With the money that’s already been spent on detailed design, Milne said he feels the project is shovel ready should another grant come along in the future.
“It’s something that’s needed in this park,” he said. “So the project is there for a better time and I believe that that time is not now.”
The new plan includes two shade structures, tree plantings, Event Power and upgrades to municipal water and sanitary services to the existing Rockmosa washrooms. (Screenshot from Aug. 8 meeting)
Milne said his focus is now on directing the money towards projects the township would’ve done anyways.
“I think you’re making the right strategic move,” Mayor Chris White responded.
“The price increase is just unconscionable to get from a $1-million bathroom to a $2-million bathroom.”
White added, “It would be absolutely wonderful to get this done, but I think we can survive for the short term.
“The good thing is the work is done should something show up you’ve got the plans.”
As part of the project, the township is set to only be on the hook for 25% of the cost, should it be completed by the end of the year – one of the contingencies outlined in the CCRF.
Milne said it’s unclear if all the suggested pivot projects will qualify for the funding, noting he received an email from FedDev Ontario indicating the water and sanitary upgrades, estimated at $260,000, may not be eligible.
Councillor Corey Woods expressed his disappointment for the previous project falling through, specifically with the washroom upgrade, noting he hopes sanitary services can be incorporated into the grant as it’s one of the main problems with the park’s washrooms.
“Whether we get the money or don’t get the money, in the future we’re going to have to look at doing something there,” he said.
“I would hope sooner rather than later we can get those bathrooms fixed.”
“Really, if I could choose from the list, that’s the one I’m going for because that’s the one that we absolutely need,” Milne said.
“It corrects the issue that we’re dealing with right now with the existing bathrooms.”
Council approved the revised plan, authorizing Milne to alter the project plans should the funding for the water and sanitary upgrade not be approved under the CCRF.
