COBDEN — A Pembroke construction company was awarded the contract by Whitewater Region council to do the renovations to the Cobden tourist booth.
Lehman Construction’s bid was $52,766.48 compared to Beachburg’s Three-W Construction’s bid of $127,061.71.
Prior to awarding the contract, Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons said references of both companies were checked and were very positive.
Councillors Cathy Regier and Chris Olmstead were concerned with the difference in the two bids.
Chief building official Doug Schultz said a cost comparison between the two bids was completed, and there is nothing missing. He said the renovations were estimated to cost around $60,000.
Answering a question regarding a meeting with the contractors, Mr. Schultz said there were 14 contractors at the site meeting, but only two submitted bids. Mr. Lehman contacted him regarding concerns he had, and seemed satisfied with his bid.
“I’m really concerned,” said Coun. Olmstead. “I think it’s fantastic, don’t get me wrong, but I’m really concerned about his pricing, since the other one is three times the amount. I’m hoping he’s bang on.”
Mr. Schultz said references for Lehman Construction were checked with the Ministry of Natural Resources, and they were quite happy with the two jobs he completed for them.
Councillor Dave Mackay said, “Maybe he (the owner) just threw the high bid in and if he gets it, he gets it. He’s busy. He’s always done good work.”
