Ontario Construction News staff writer
Wellesley Township Council has selected Ball Construction to build a new $27 million recreation facility.
“This world-class facility is the next step in building spaces for our community to connect, grow and gather and will complement the existing recreation facilities throughout the Township.” Mayor Joe Nowak stated in a news release.
Design was completed in September 2019 by Invizji Architects.
Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023. Council also approved a staff recommendation to add a rooftop solar array, four EV charging stations and heat pump option for rooftop units to be added as energy efficiency upgrades at a maximum cost of $700,000.
“The evaluating team feels that this submission from Ball Construction is a fair submission that meets all the requirements,” Rik Louwagie stated in a staff report.
“The cost does exceed the approved budget as all bids received did. The main reason identified for the higher cost is directly related to the escalating cost of steel, windows and other construction materials over the past six months.”
The Ontario government has committed over $16 million to support the construction of the modern facility with a lower carbon footprint.
“For two years, I have worked closely with Mayor Nowak and the Township to move this forward and I am thrilled that shovels will be getting in the ground soon to bring this arena across the finish line,” said Mike Harris, Kitchener-Conestoga MPP.