High-priced Toronto firm in charge of new gym at Davidson Centre
By Liz Dadson

Town Council Kincardine

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Kincardine council has chosen a high-priced Toronto firm as the architect for the $3-million addition to the Davidson Centre, which will include a new gymnasium, dressing rooms and warm viewing area.

In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (Oct. 7), recreation director Karen Kieffer said a request-for-proposals process was completed and the architect review team of councillor Kenneth Craig, Doug Kennedy, Andy Burgess, Derrick Burrows, Athena Gatos, chief administrative officer John deRosenroll and Kieffer, selected Strasman Architects Inc., at a total price of $268,789.50, the highest of three quotes.

 The other bids were $195,000 from Parkin Architects, and $170,000 from The Ventin Group.
Craig said there was significant discussion due to the difference in prices. "There was also a significant difference in the architectural firms, given their ability and experience," he said. "Strasman interviewed better which is why it was recommended by the review team."

Council agreed and later in the meeting, approved the selection of Strasman. The project was successful in receiving two-thirds funding through the federal and provincial government, compliments of the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. The new gymnasium, dressing rooms, and warm viewing area are to be built on the northeast side of the Davidson Centre.

 

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