ELORA – While council set aside $1.3 million in the 2021 budget for repairs to the refrigeration system and ice surface at the Elora Community Centre, with a grant from the federal and provincial governments, the community centre will get a little more than was originally bargained for.
Centre Wellington Township learned in April that it was successful in receiving funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Community Culture and Recreation funding program to the tune of $5 million, which will allow for more to be done at the community centre than just repairs to the ice pad.
The township still pays $1.3 million toward the renovation, but the federal government will pick up 40% and the province 33.3% of the $5 million project.
Pat Newson, managing director of community services, told council at its Sept. 27 meeting, that the new scope of work will include:
- accessible washrooms and change rooms;
- new boards and glass around the rink as well as the already-planned repairs to the ice pad; and
- moving the mechanical and refrigeration room away from the building entrance, where it is currently located.
Newson said there might be opportunity to add more programming space as well, but that depends on how far the money will stretch.
She said there will be public engagement as well as direct communication with user groups and the seniors’ centre.
“Once the consultants are on board, we will have the opportunity for public engagement,” she said.
Township treasurer Dan Wilson said a request for proposals went out but only one proposal was received, and that firm was not compliant with township requirements.
“It’s a fairly unique position with no one to award the contract (to),” he said.
So the township reached out to RDH Architects Inc., the same company involved with the renovation at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus 15 years ago.
CAO Andy Goldie pointed out that while the township had difficulty with the contractor on that project, “the architect did a great job for us.”
The contract with RDH Architects includes design, contract administration and overseeing construction. A future construction request for tender will be required once the design stage is complete.
Council approved a motion to allow staff to negotiate a contract with RDH at an upset limit of $494,700.
