Following a similar process approved for the city's new arena/events centre, a staff report is recommending bypassing the public tender process in favour of awarding a contract for the Synergy Centre.
In this case, the $150,000 contract would be awarded to CBRE Ltd. for a business plan, operational model, conceptual and financial plan for the centre.
The city's purchasing bylaw allows for contracts to be awarded without the normal tendering process under certain circumstances. In this case, council has asked for the projects to be expedited, and are looking for a major update in November.
“Staff anticipated issuing an RFP for the next phase of work this fall,” the report says. “While the RFP is currently being developed and can be issued, it is unlikely that a contract could be awarded until later in the fourth quarter. This does not align with council’s expectation for a report in November.
“If approved by council, CBRE Ltd. is available to be retained through a new engagement letter as of Sept.13. With this consideration in mind, work could commence immediately with a reasonable expectation that it be completed in time to meet the target time line.”
The Art Gallery/Library already has a contract with a consultant, so the work can begin immediately.
And similar to the arena, councillors will be asked to approve a criteria to select the best site for the Synergy Centre and the art gallery/library.
Unlike the arena, however, these projects will be built downtown. The criteria will determine the best location in the city core.
The full report and suggested criteria can be found here, but the suggested top priority for the Synergy Centre location is the ability for a new hotel to be built nearby, as well as visibility. For the library and art gallery, it's parking, ease of access and collaboration opportunities.
Cost and aiding downtown revitalization are other priorities.
If approved, work would begin on recommendations the best site, the business plans, conceptual design and a financial plan for all the projects in time for the mid-November report to council.
Eleethea Savage, who works in the city's economic development department, has been picked to be the full-time project manager for both projects, and will report to Ian Wood, the city's director of economic development.
