The Dunvegan Community Hall floor replacement project is moving forward, but the Township of North Glengarry is still looking for ways to bring the cost below the $250,000 threshold previously approved by council.
Council unanimously received an update on the project during its September 28 meeting.
A $264,581.63 contract, plus HST, has been awarded to De Saulniers Construction Ltd. The contract includes a $20,000 contingency for unexpected conditions that could be discovered once the existing floor is removed.
Without the contingency, the base tender amount would fall below the $250,000 threshold.
North Glengarry Director of Community Services Stephanie MacRae said staff looked for opportunities to reduce the cost during the tender process, but there were limited options without first removing the existing floor.
“We do feel that, after consultation with both the engineering advisers and the contractor, once the demolition phase has been completed, we’ll be able to identify further cost savings,” MacRae told council.
The contract also gives the township opportunities to stop the work at various stages and reassess the project before moving ahead.
CAO Michael Fawthrop said the biggest unknown is what will be found underneath the existing floor.
“I think the biggest test is when we’re going to be able to remove the floor,” Fawthrop said. “That’s really kind of what’s prohibiting us from doing a deeper investigation right now.”
Mayor Jamie MacDonald said he hopes staff can find enough savings to bring the project back under the $250,000 mark.
“It’s unfortunate. It is what it is,” MacDonald said. “We’ll have to hopefully have staff be able to find some savings, at least get us underneath that $250,000 threshold.”
The contractor was on site September 28 for a preliminary assessment, with demolition expected to begin within the next couple of weeks.
Once the floor is removed, township staff and the engineering consultant will have a better understanding of the condition underneath and whether the scope of the project can be adjusted to reduce costs.
The project is being funded primarily through township reserves, along with fundraising and/or Municipal Recreation Association Committee funds through the Dunvegan Recreation Association. Those funds are expected to be repaid in the future.
Council also raised concerns about protecting the historic features of the hall during construction.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams specifically asked about the stage, which the Dunvegan Recreation Association has identified as a priority to preserve.
MacRae said the township is working with the recreation association and the contractor to protect valuable items in the building and preserve the stage where possible.
Councillor Jeff Manley also asked the township to keep residents informed as the project moves forward, noting there are concerns in the community.
MacRae said representatives of the Dunvegan Recreation Association are being kept up to date and that the township will also communicate with the public as the work progresses.
For now, the final cost of the floor replacement remains unknown. It will depend largely on what is discovered once demolition begins and how much work is ultimately required.