The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has launched the first stage of procurement for a proposed new arena and walking track at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.
The RDCK has issued a request for pre-qualification seeking experienced design-build firms interested in participating in a future request for proposals for the project.
The project is described as the design and construction of a new arena with an NHL-size ice rink, and overhead walking track integrated with the existing Castlegar & District Community Complex.
The regional district plans to use the process to create a shortlist of qualified proponents for a second-stage competitive bidding process.
The maximum design-build contract value is set at $15 million, excluding GST. That figure is net of the value attributed to primary facility naming rights, which the RDCK hopes will help bridge the gap between the project’s estimated cost of $19 million to $29 million and the $15 million the City of Castlegar and Area J taxpayers would be asked to fund through a future referendum.
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The RDCK said the $15-million budget is intended to cover all project costs, including design development, contingencies, escalation and other risks assumed by the successful proponent.
The district said the project remains conditional on several approvals, including service-establishment and loan-authorization bylaws, approval from the inspector of municipalities if required, voter approval through a referendum and final board approval of a design-build contract.
The procurement process is proceeding before those approvals are secured. The RDCK said the project will not move forward unless all required approvals are obtained.
“Respondents should consider this conditionality when deciding whether to participate,” the district said.
Responses to the request for pre-qualification are due June 26.
More information can be found here.
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