After 15 years the city's emergency medical services know who will be building its new home -- and what it should cost.
City council awarded Tom Jones Construction Ltd. the $9-million contract Monday night for the new EMS headquarters on Junot Avenue.
EMS director Norm Gale said Monday’s approval marks the end of a process which began in 1995. Gale said the building was designed to be a part of the neighbourhood. It was also designed with a welcoming atmosphere in mind for workers and members of the public he said. The facility will also have space available for community groups Gale said.
"We want people to feel welcome and safe around the facility and we will make space available both inside and outside for community groups…to utilize the space," Gale said. "We want to be part of that neighbourhood."
The building will also feature enough windows on the south side so people driving north on Junot Avenue can see paramedics at work, Gale said.
Although the lowest tender came in well below the original approved budget of $11.5 million, Coun. Rebecca Johnson said because additional preparation for the site needs to be done there are still additional costs that are unnecessary . Johnson preferred a site next to the Junot Fire Station, which wouldn’t have required an additional $712,000 in site preparations.
"That’s a lot of money because we want to have the south side of Red River Road," Johnson said.
With an estimated $10.6 million allocated for the entire project, Johnson said there is also the possibility of cost overruns before the expected 2012 completion date.
"I am a bit worried about that," Johnson said
Also Monday, council determined it will be applying for an extension for Infrastructure Stimulus and Recreation Canada projects. The feaderal government has extended the deadline from March 31, 2011 to Oct. 31.
