Bloated bids for Fundy Discovery Site washroom project fail to pass
Three bids for constructing public washroom facilities at the Fundy Discovery Site have all come in at more than double the amount that Colchester County council had budgeted for the project.
“It’s difficult to pinpoint any single reason why tender responses for the washroom project are so excessive,” a staff report to council says.
Council had budgeted $165,000 to construct new washrooms at the former Palliser Motel site.
But after receiving three tenders ranging between $344,628 and $492,000, council has decided to use municipal staff to serve as the general contractor on the project while also using sub-contractors for portions of the work.
After speaking with some contractors following the tender process, it was determined that a number of factors have contributed to the high bids. They include an accelerated construction market, inflation prices for construction materials and the high cost of winter work.
Other factors involved the cost of various design components and details, such as commercial grade fixtures and finishes, deemed necessary to ensure the building is durable and resistant to vandalism and high traffic.
“All cost overruns are concerning but it is difficult to anticipate economic conditions that impact pre-established project budgets,” the staff report said. “Considering the current boom in the construction industry it is not surprising construction costs have escalated in recent times.”
Council approved increasing the original $165,000 figure by $75,000, with funding to come from the project’s capital budget.
The site is a popular viewing spot for the tidal bore and the establishment of a permanent washroom facility was among the most common needs identified through the master plan process.
The project now is not expected to begin until early spring.
The three bids received by the county, from lowest to highest are:
Fowler Construction – $344,628;
Flagship Construction – $411,770;
Higgins Construction – $492,000.