Bids for a major part of the waterfront development have come in over budget leaving the city to look at options to reduce costs.
Waterfront project manager Katherine Dugmore said a pre-tender estimate for the significant waterfront contract was $12.75 million while the lowest bidder, Tom Jones Corporation, put the contract at $14.99 million, over $2 million above estimates.
The contract includes major work to the baggage building, water garden pavillion, ice rink and splash pad, as well as the park maintenance building, festival storage building and pond pavillion.
" (It’s) a significant contract for Prince Arthur’s landing but it’s also a keystone of the entire development," said Dugmore.
Dugmore said city administration will sit down with Tom Jones starting Tuesday in order to find ways to reduce costs to the project. Reasons for the increase have not been given she added.
"At this time we would really need to have those discussions with the low bidder and determine what kind of potential could exist," Dugmore said.
The contract was originally marked to go to city council for approval last Monday. Dugmore said while discussions with contractor started Tuesday, timelines are tight to get the contract awarded June 14 at the next council meeting.
