Just over two weeks ago, Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons said the concept and design contract for a new regional aquatic centre would soon to be awarded.
That happened on Monday night when his council voted to approve a recommendation that contract, identified on council briefing notes as being for a regional recreation centre, be awarded to SNC Lavalin Inc.
SNC Lavalin was one of two consulting companies to reply to the city’s request for proposals on the project. The cost of the contract is $113,441 (HST included).
Over a year ago, the city and its regional partners — Mount Moriah, Massey Drive, Steady Brook, the YMCA of Western Newfoundland, Humber Community and the Corner Brook Rapids Swim Club — all contributed to the cost of an initial feasibility study for a new pool.
It was noted during the meeting that not all of the $110,000 that had been allotted for that study was spent before it was put on hold. That happened when the option of renovating the pool at Grenfell Campus and building on the infrastructure there came up. The university has since been selected as the preferred site of the project.
The $64,000 left from that money will go towards paying the contract with SNC Lavalin. The city will assume the cost of the remaining $49,441 under its multi-year capital program.
Parsons said after the meeting that the city hasn’t gone back to the partners to look for additional funds at this point.
“Given the scope of this project, our partners are going to be extremely important not just now, but in the long term.”
And he’s certain they will be supportive.
Parsons said SNC Lavalin Inc. will now provide the programming and concept for the centre.
That will include the space needed for things like a water slide, programming space, storage, a daycare, offices and how the gymnasium at the university might need to be modified.
He said once the space, and the needs of the audience, is defined, then SNC Lavalin will look at the cost associated with building such a facility and finally provide some idea of the operational costs.
This work is expected to be completed by June.
Parsons noted the city has already submitted a broad funding application for the project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Also from Monday night's council meeting:
ATV/snowmobile trail use changes approved
The potential for opening up more ATV and snowmobile tourism in the City of Corner Brook has moved into the final stages.
During Monday night’s public meeting council approved three motions related to changing the city’s municipal plan and development regulations to allow the city to consider ATV/snowmobile trail use as a discretionary basis throughout its municipal planning area, while bringing existing trails into conformity with its regulations.
The three motions were to approve the amendment as proposed, to submit the amendment for registration with Municipal Affairs and to advertise a notice of registration in the Gazette and The Western Star.
The change in regulations is in response to a Crown Land application by the Western Snowmobile Federation to expand a trail network in the rural area to the south of the city.
No additional trails are proposed at this time, however, the amendments would speed up the process in the future. A full public hearing with a commissioner would not be needed and the city could seek public consultation on an application by advertising it in the newspaper.
Council OKs two home-based businesses
The City of Corner Brook approved two applications for permission to operate home-based businesses during its public meeting at city hall on Monday night.
The first was for a computer web marketing office to be located in a dwelling on Hann Cresent.
The second was for a business office for a dog training business on Gilbert Street.
It was noted during the meeting that no training of dogs will take place at the location.
Apartment development approved
The former Lassy Duncher Bakery on Georgetown Road is about to be converted into a four-unit apartment building.
The building, located at 114 Georgetown Rd., already has two apartments on the top floor and the building’s owner applied to the city for permission to add two more apartments in the former bakery space.
City council approved that request during Monday night’s public council meeting.
City buying sewer cameras
The City of Corner Brook is purchasing a sewer video inspection lateral camera and a sewer video inspection mainline camera.
The cost of the two pieces of equipment is $30,739.50 (HST included) and they will be supplied by FST Canada Inc. O/A Joe Johnson Equipment.
Maintenance service agreement awarded
Honeywell Building Solutions has been awarded a three-year contract with the City of Corner Brook for building automation system hardware and software maintenance service at the Corner Brook Civic Centre.
The cost of the contract is for $28,500 (plus HST) for the first year and $23,500 (plus HST) for two additional years.
The contract was approved during Monday night’s public council meeting.
