Hybrid Contracts Considered
On the cusp of fall, progress is being made in the long-delayed Beach Park revitalization project.
The call for proposals for the latest project closed in July. According to Lions Bay's Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell, three proponents submitted proposals for consideration, after which an in-house team assessed the submissions and then interviewed each of the prospective bidders. But instead of choosing the lowest bidder, Blackwell says that a hybrid approach is being considered.
"Staff have been exploring an opportunity to hybridize, using the design approach of one proponent and the construction expertise of the second proponent," Blackwell said, noting that an “intent to award” letter has been issued to both proponents on this basis.
He says that discussions have been scheduled with both proponents "to clarify and confirm the myriad details."
If this approach is agreed-upon, Blackwell believes construction will begin in early October, as heavy machinery will be required for earth-moving, and the rainy season is fast approaching.
New proponents mean that all previous design work on the project will no longer be considered.
Blackwell said that a new design of the washroom building will proceed immediately following the award to contractors. He added that this design and other elements of the project will be available at an open house for public discussion and input, which he anticipates closer to the end of October or early November.
He said the Lions Bay Beach Park committee will also be consulted "for the purpose of information sharing."
After the open house, Blackwell says adjustments to the design are possible before landing on a final concept, which will then be presented to Council. Following the direction of Council, construction of the washroom building will then proceed.
Blackwell said that at this point it is difficult to predict a completion date for the project, but expects it to be near the end of January, 2025. This would mean the funding for the project would not be in jeopardy, as the grant does not expire until the end of 2025.
The rebuilding of the jetty, which was originally considered as a part of this project, has been set up as a separate project, with tender bids closing just last week. Blackwell said that staff hope to find "synergies" between both projects, to facilitate access to the site by heavy equipment and other considerations, but this is dependent on the choice of contractors.
In the meantime, Lions Bay Council members are in attendance this week at the Union of BC Municipalities conference. A Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for October 1, and the next full Council meeting is October 15.
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