The Dunvegan Community Hall floor replacement project is moving ahead with a $264,581.63 contract, plus HST, 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 voted to receive the project update on Monday, September 28.
The contract was awarded to De Saulniers Construction Ltd. and includes a $20,000 contingency to cover unknown conditions that could be discovered once the existing floor is removed. Without the contingency, the base tender amount would be below the $250,000 threshold.
North Glengarry Director of Community Services Stephanie MacRae said staff explored possible cost savings during the tender process, but there were limited opportunities to make significant reductions before the existing floor could be removed.
“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 allows the township to stop the project at various points and reassess the work before proceeding.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Fawthrop said what lies underneath the existing floor is the biggest unknown.
“I think the biggest test is when we’re going to be able to remove the floor. That’s really kind of what’s prohibiting us from doing a deeper investigation right now,” Fawthrop said.
“It’s unfortunate. It is what it is,” Mayor Jamie 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 on September 28 for a preliminary assessment, with demolition expected to begin within the next couple of weeks. Once the floor is removed, staff and the township’s engineering consultant will have a better understanding of the conditions underneath and whether changes can be made to the scope of work.
The project is being funded primarily through township reserves, along with fundraising and/or Municipal Recreation Association Committee funds through the Dunvegan Recreation Association (DRA), with those funds to be repaid in the future.
Council also raised concerns about protecting the hall’s heritage features during construction.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams specifically asked about the stage, which the DRA has identified as a priority to preserve.
MacRae said the township is working with the recreation association and contractor to protect valuable items in the building and preserve the stage where possible.
Councillor Jeff Manley also asked that the township keep the public informed as the project progresses, noting there are concerns in the community.
MacRae said representatives of the DRA are being kept informed and that the township will communicate with the public as well.
The final cost of the project will depend on the conditions discovered during demolition, and the amount of work ultimately required.
