RDCK puts the brakes on Aquatic Centre renovations
By Nelson Daily Staff
The good news is the Nelson and District Aquatic Centre will not close as of May 1 of this year.
The bad news is the tendering process did not produce a winner according to the Regional District of Central Kootenay after the two qualifying companies came in approximately $1.2 Million over the projected $4.92 Million project budget.
“Although this tender process did not produce a bid that was within budget it is important that taxpayers receive value for money and that the facility meets the needs of the community over the next 40 years,” said Joe Chirico, community services manager for the RDCK.
“This is why a tender process occurs,” Chirico added. “You want to hear what the market has to say and sometimes that’s something different than what you wanted or expected.”
The RDCK did its homework before beginning the tender process — consulting with an external design team and a quantity surveyor to estimate the cost of the project.
After gathering the information, the commission and RDCK board approved a $4.92 million budget with borrowing not to exceed $4.5 million for all renovations.
The RDCK said factors in higher bids can include project complexity, perceived level of risk, the one-of-kind nature of a project and remoteness of location compared to other commercial construction projects out for tender.
The NDCC Aquatic Centre Renewal Project includes all these factors.
The eight-month renovation was scheduled to begin May 1.
Now it’s back to the drawing board for RDCK staff, who are expected to review the two tenders, meet with the project design team over the next three weeks and report back to the Recreation Commission on April 27.
“The Commission is committed to the project,” said Nelson and District recreation commission chair Ramona Faust.
“We also know everything in the scope of the project is necessary, and we will do what it takes to ensure we have good value for our investment.”
Repairs to the aquatic centre include new mechanical systems, electrical panels and equipment, a relocated lifeguard station, new sauna, pool decks, tiles and new water proofing membranes.
It’s projected these renovations would extend the life of the facility by at least another 40 years.
