WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — On September 4, the Recreation & Tourism Committee recommend the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region to award the Detailed Design project for the renovation and rejuvenation of the Cobden Astrolabe Arena to Architecture49 Inc., at a cost around $178 thousand after rebate.
In 2019, the Township received funding from the Government of Ontario to improve service delivery and efficiency. According to documentation provided by the Township, “a portion of these funds was allocated to the Cobden Astrolabe Arena project to complete detailed design for the renovation and addition.”
“The project is required to improve accessibility, renew aging infrastructure, ensure the project is shovel ready to maximize grant potential, improve energy efficiency, and increase the number of users. A space needs study was completed in 2018 on the facility. A request for proposals was issued to select a qualified firm to complete detail design.”
A total of four bids were received from Architecture49 Inc., Civitas Architecture Inc., Cole and Associates Architects Inc., and J.L. Richards & Associates Limited. At the Township’s discretion, presentations were only conducted with the two lowest bids. The selection committee comprised of Councillor Nicholson, Chair of Recreation & Tourism, the Chief Administrative Officer, Manager of Recreation & Tourism and Treasurer. They recommended to award Architecture49 Inc. the project, in collaboration with WSP Engineering.
Motioned by Councillor McLaughlin and seconded by Councillor Charlene Jackson, the motion was carried and a standard professional services agreement will be entered into. Architecture49 Inc. has undertaken projects of similar scope and scale in Eastern Ontario. Their proposal and presentation demonstrated a good understanding of the Township’s needs and requirements. The firm has offices in Ottawa and Cornwall. It is expected that the detailed design will be completed by February 2020.
