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Council receives update on construction at Town Hall 

June 29, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A report was received by New Tecumseth Town Council on Monday, June 19, regarding the updated status of the Town Hall project.

The information provides a refined costing based on the direction the Committee of the Whole gave at its meeting on June 5.

At that time, it was noted the building was approximately 85 percent complete, and an additional contingency amount of $1,298,000 was identified. As contingency funds had already been spent, Council did not support finding the extra funds to complete the project.

The original contract award for furnishings, fixtures and equipment for the project was $1.45 million. Approximately $315,000 of this amount has already been utilized for construction-related change orders.

Of the remaining funds of $1.135 million, the majority of these funds will be required to fund disputed and anticipated change orders. With an increase in contingency, the building would be delivered within the overall approved budget. However, no remaining funds will be available to provide furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

Should Council wish to consider additional funding, $430,000 would be required to provide some new furnishings in the public-facing areas, including two large public meeting spaces, two board rooms, and three small meeting rooms, which would be utilized for meeting with members of the public.

Another consideration is to purchase new cubicles/systems furniture. Disassembly, moving and reassembly of existing cubicles are labour intensive and would be difficult to reconfigure as much of the cubicle furniture cannot easily be interchanged or combined as these have been modified or replaced gradually over many decades. Some existing cubicle furniture is in poor to moderate condition and will not be compatible in terms of colours and structural components. Should Council wish to purchase new cubicle furniture, the cost would be $150,000 to $243,000.

These scenarios assume that all existing office chairs would be moved and reused.

It was also noted it would be prudent to consider a planned review of the Town of New Tecumseth’s flexible work policy.

Depending on how the plan that allows people to work at home is finalized, it could have an impact on the space needed.

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