CORNER BROOK, N.L. — It could take a bit of time to get everything in place, but Mayor Jim Parsons is hopeful construction of a new clubhouse at Jubilee Field in Corner Brook will begin early in the fall.
Tender for the just over $1.8-million project went out July 30 with a closing date of Aug. 20.
Parsons said there are “lots of factors” to be considered before the work can start.
First the tenders have to be evaluated and a successful bidder selected.
Once that winning bid is approved and a contract signed, the start of construction will depend on how long it takes the contractor to mobilize.
“A lot of times it could be a month before that happens,” said Parsons.
With that in mind, a fall start is not unlikely.
In an ideal situation, he said, the successful contractor would be able to get the exterior work done before the snow hits and then work inside over the winter.
Early- to mid-June is the “drop-dead date” for activity to start back over at the ballfield, said Parsons.
“So, you’ve really got to get it done before mid-June."
The new clubhouse will go in the same general area as the current one, so having construction going on while the fields are in use could pose an issue. Parsons said there is a possibility of the Corner Brook Baseball Association modifying its fall schedule a bit to accommodate the start of construction.
He said this is not something that can be done in June and July when both minor and senior programs are in full swing.
“The idea is you get it done in the fall and spring. You don’t want to lose a whole season for this.”
Funding for the new clubhouse, which is being cost-shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments through the federal Investing in Canada Plan, was announced July 26.
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Jubilee Field project
Total project cost — $1,830,695 (including tax)
Provincial contribution — $530,583
Federal contribution — $530,742
City of Corner Brook contribution — $530,583
What’s included:
Demolition and removal of existing clubhouse and scorekeeper’s hut
Construction of a new 345 m2 clubhouse consisting of:
Canteen
Public washrooms
Change rooms
Umpire change room
Office
Minor baseball room
Construction of a new scorekeeper’s hut