“Ahead of schedule and under budget”

A couple of weeks ago, Bill Gibson, Chair of the Pelham Community Centre Oversight Committee, presented an upbeat update to Council.

Looking East into Accipiter Arena (from second floor)

You will recall that Council addressed suggestions from the public for proper project supervision by establishing Community Centre Oversight Committee. The committee includes two community members, one Council rep, and the Chief Administrative Officer. This committee works to ensure that the Town receives value-for-money in every aspect of the project, the project gets delivered on time and on budget, and to provide the community with consistent and timely updates.

Mr. Gibson provided updates on the two tender packages, project milestones, and finances.

The first tender package included pre-grading site work, building excavating, site servicing, foundation, structural steel, elevator and stairwell shafts, sprinkler system, roof deck, and hollow core slabs. Tender package two covered the concrete floors, reinforced steel (for masonry and slabs), interior/exterior masonry, spray insulation, roofing, insulated metal siding, zinc paneling, metal doors and frames, finish hardware, glazing, drywall/acoustics, dash boards, and seating. These two tender packages account for 77% of the total project.

Atrium Lobby (facing South)

Working as the construction manager, Ball Construction did not just tender the entire project. Rather Ball works with the committee, the architect, and the various contractors to manage the project’s timing and construction.

The presentation indicated that this value engineering process, led by Ball Construction, and the work of the committee, “has resulted in a project that, as of this date, has in excess of 75 percent of all sub contracts awarded (including work completed) which results in the project being ahead of schedule and under budget, including the 9,000 square feet of additional space.”

The presentation made clear that it was Ball Construction that suggested adding 9,000 square feet to the community centre in June 2016 to increase accessibility in hallways, common areas, and areas with heavy foot-traffic. They based this recommendation on their experience building more than 30 recreational / community centres in Ontario. Because it was so early in the process, the architect changed the plans well before issuing final drawings. Further, Ball signed on to the $32.5 million construction price cap in September 2016 – which includes these changes. Finally, since Ball tendered the project with these improvements, there will be no additional costs to improve the Centre.

Activity Centre (double gymnasium) looking South

The work is on target to enclose the building by the end of December, and for the project to be “substantially complete” by June 2018.

This construction update, the recent fundraising announcement – “Thanks a Million, Pelham” – and the recent signing of 5-year, binding agreements with major user groups demonstrates great progress!

Council and I look forward to the Pelham Community Centre becoming the place for residents of all ages to gather and enjoy a wide-variety of recreational, social, health and community activities for many, many years.

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Accipiter Arena - July 2017

Duliban Insurance Arena & Walker Industries Viewing Galleria - July 2017

Activity Centre (double gymnasiums) - July 2017

Dr. Gary & Mall Accursi Multipurpose Area - July 2017

To see recent videos and pictures the Pelham Community Centre construction process, please visit www.pelhammayordave.blogspot.ca. You may contact Mayor Dave at mayordave@pelham.ca.

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14 July 2017 Correction: The initial post cited Mr. Bill Gibson as Bob. I apologize to Bill for the error, but greatly thank him for his service as Chair! D