THUNDER BAY — There's a lot of interest in the City of Thunder Bay's request for proposals (RFP) to supply housing units for the shelter "village" planned for the Kaministiquia River Heritage Park.
More than two dozen companies are registered in the bidding system to get access to the RFP documents.
These parties include numerous suppliers of modular housing units from the Thunder Bay area and across Canada.
Companies wishing to submit an actual bid for the project have until June 11 to do so, and must demonstrate experience in supplying, delivering and installing modular units on a large scale for similar developments.
After city council approved the $5.5 million project last month following multiple debates over where it should be situated, illustrations of the project were made public, and more details of what the housing units and common areas will look like were disclosed in the RFP.
The city has budgeted $3 million for a minimum of 80 units suitable for accommodating up to 100 individuals.
Most of the units will be single occupancy, but some could be for use by couples.
The city is also requesting bidders to include a provisional lump sum cost estimate for providing an additional 20 single units.
Between five and 10 per cent of the complex must be barrier-free accessible.
The RFP specifies that the dimensions of the heated, air-conditioned private sleeping units be 8' x 13'4" X 10' (W x L x H).
A central community hub will contain cooking and food prep counters, a residential-grade oven, refrigerators and microwaves, dining tables and chairs, and couches and other seating, while washroom and shower facilities will comprise at least six units and a minimum of four washer/dryer pairs capable of washing bedding sets.
The city wants proponents to incorporate Indigenous design concepts in the village, and to explain how they would engage and collaborate with Indigenous stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of culturally-appropriate elements.
Deadlines are relatively tight.
The city expects to award the contract by June 24, or about four weeks from now, and to have on-site delivery and installation between August and October to allow for partial occupancy .
All units must be installed and operational no later than December 31.
