The city is making headway with another significant project currently on the radar - a new airport terminal for the Trail Regional Airport.
City council approved to forego new construction per se, instead agreeing that a pre-engineered structure and concrete slab was the most cost effective and timely way to go.
Rendering of plan for TRA
The panel awarded a supply and installation contract to Pacific Apex during the Monday governance meeting. Based on the city’s blueprints, the Kelowna-based company will deliver and assemble a steel pre-fab building for $361,000 plus $123,000 for a respective concrete slab and foundations.
“We are moving forward with development of the airport terminal building,” said David Perehudoff, chief administrative officer. “And we’re now active in terms of the various pieces of work that need to be done and facilitated to meet the time lines associated with the grant.”
The city has just over one year to use the $1.18 million the province recently granted Trail through the BC Air Access program. Funds must be used specifically for new terminal construction.
The overall $3 million project (this includes the provincial grant) remains on target with this leg of work falling within a pre-determined $520,000 budget.
Generally a contract of this magnitude would proceed to formal tender, but in this case, Trail council agreed to waive the city’s policy.
“Council can legally vary its policy as long as there is assurance the city is receiving sufficient value and is further satisfied that proceeding is in the city’s best interest,” Perehudoff noted. “When considering the process and that the total cost actually comes in slightly below the anticipated budget, moving forward would appear to be in the city’s best interest,” he added. “Further … any significant delay could in fact jeopardize the project and the significant grant funding that is allowing the city to proceed with these much needed improvements at this time.”
The vote was unanimous in favour of Perehudoff’s recommendation. But first, Coun. Sandy Santori questioned the project’s overall scope and budget, and sought clarity that council won’t be caught off guard with an overage.
“How certain are we this $3 million is going to be the figure?” he queried. “How much have we put aside for contingency … so we don’t have an overrun if we get an estimate that ends up being higher?”
A 10 per cent contingency is in the budget, Perehudoff replied.
“This provides a lot of certainty moving forward because you are already pinning down your building and slab - there are other issues associated with water, septic and the parking area, but this is big aspect that you are now firm on.”
The structure most likely will arrive in the spring of 2017.
“Right now we are working on detailed design and will be seeking to obtain a Development Permit from the regional district in order to proceed,” Perehudoff said. “Civil works, including water and sewer are currently being designed and the timing for construction has not yet been determined.
“We are working towards substantial completion of the building and civil works by the fall of 2017.”