By Mark Squibb/September 16, 2022
The City of Mount Pearl has taken steps towards the construction of a new community centre.
The City issued a limited call for proposals on June 7 for companies interested in overseeing the project. That closed on July 15, and attracted three bids.
Last week, council unanimously voted to award the contract to Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions to develop a design-build Request for Proposals for construction of a new civic centre, splash pad, ice rink and site upgrades at a bid price of $552,895 (HST Included).
Wood Environmental will act as the “owner’s advisor” and will work with the City to review the concept and finalize the scope of work, draft an RFP for design-build proposals, manage construction and contract administration for payment, certification, and progress updates.
“I think this is a great initiative for the City of Mount Pearl,” said councillor Mark Rice. “I think going out to RFP and getting a consultant and a design-build is really good, because you hit all the key points.”
He noted that a lot of buildings, such as Park Place and the Gloria Pearson Centre, are aging and not up to snuff.
Director of Public Works Gerry Antle said that through the design-build process, the City will be able to consider efficient design, energy efficiency, climate change measures, and other features.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley said going the route of hiring an “owner advisor” was an example of ‘measuring twice, cutting once.’
“We’re going in with eyes wide open,” said Kieley. “And I think that it’s important for any large facility or endeavour that we are taking on that we have our eyes wide open, and I do appreciate and support the consultation process that needs to follow.”
Council estimates the design-build RFP will be issued in November and awarded in April of 2023. The design will be finalized in November 2023, and construction will begin in June 2023 and carry through until December 2024. The facility is expected to be completed between January 2025 and January 2026.
“This is not going to happen overnight, but we have started,” said councillor Isabelle Fry.
Councilor Bill Antle also threw his support behind the project, adding he is looking forward to seeing the end results, while councillor Chelsea Lane said families are excited, in particular, about the new splash pad and ice rink.
“As a young mother here in the community, I know I’m looking forward to it, and I’m sure that our residents are truly going to be so excited to have this addition to the City,” said Lane.
