Copcan Civil Ltd. of Nanaimo has been awarded the construction contract for the Complete Street Pilot Project on Fifth Street in Courtenay.
Five firms submitted tenders for the project. There were no local bids. Copcan’s was the lowest bid at $2,911,616 — which is within the budgeted amount covered by a federal grant from the Gas Tax Fund.
“It’s a pretty typical bid,” said Ryan O’Grady, director of engineering services at the City of Courtenay. “For tenders, there’s an extensive list of requirements that the bidders have to comply with. There’s a formal evaluation process that’s undertaken, providing bids are compliant and meet the bonding requirements. That’s when the lowest price comes into play.”
The procurement process could involve a tender or a Request for Proposal (RFP). The latter includes a greater amount of subjectivity in the evaluation.
“This was a straight up tender,” O’Grady said. “That’s where the taxpayer is guaranteed to get the best value for money. So it’s a classic case of the market deciding.”
The project will include an overhaul of above- and below-ground infrastructure on Fifth between Fitzgerald and Menzies avenues. Extensive public input has informed the project. Last year, the City implemented temporary modifications at Fifth and Fitzgerald to test the configuration of the new design.
A ‘complete street’ meets the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and those who ride the bus. Improvements include:
•Two paved vehicle lanes;
•Bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic;
•Improved accessibility for strollers, scooters and wheelchairs;
•Parking between Fitzgerald and Harmston, and alternating parking and rain gardens throughout the remainder of the
corridor;
•Innovative stormwater management to improve drainage;
•New water, sewer and storm utility mains.
As construction details evolve, the City will work with the contractor to keep residents and businesses in the work zone informed.
Work is expected to start within the next four weeks and be completed by the end of the year.
For more information: www.courtenay.ca/completestreet