The proposed design of a new public works garage in Perth.
Perth town staff sought council’s committee approval on August 11th for project budget authorization and tender awarding for their new environmental services shop, to be built on the same site as the old one at 15 Sunset Blvd.
The proposal had drawn opposition from neighbours concerned with noise, traffic, loss of privacy, and environmental risks. The overall budget was pegged at just over $5.3M which included a tender award to M Sullivan and Son Ltd of just under $4.3M.
That contract didn’t include consulting services, permitting, furniture, equipment, security systems, contingency costs, and a full-time project manager (needed for 18 months).
Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson noted the ballooning costs compared to numbers discussed last year wasn’t anything new to him.
Staff reported they would be applying for a loan with a minimum term of 30 years to fund the build. McPherson stated all municipalities were experiencing the same pressures and future major projects would likely bring the same borrowing needs.
The committee approved the project, its budgeting, and the tender award; decisions that will go to a special council meeting next week (Aug 20th) for ratification.
Pending that approval, construction is expected to begin this fall. On a positive note, staff reported the builder had included a number of local subcontractors on the project giving a boost to the area’s economy.
Story by Brian Turner
