The budget for the new community hub in downtown Bradford just increased by approximately $1.8M, with hopes of having most of it paid for by the federal government.
In a Special Meeting of Committee of the Whole on Thursday night, BWG councillors were updated on the planned community hub at 177 Church Street, the old Bradford Public School.
The town acquired the 28,600 sq. ft. single-storey building and its three-acre property in late 2020 with plans of creating a centralized community hub, to provide a variety of community and social services for its residents and relocating some of the town's non-profit organizations currently housed in the aging, run-down St. Mary's building, at 123 Moore St., home of the Helping Hand Food Bank.
The hub will include:
- A main entry feature including common open space with reception area
- A commercial kitchen with an expanded event/community room
- An area that would accommodate the Food Bank's requirements
- A conservative approach to common space finishes
- Parking considerations and exterior improvements
- Leasable space for community service/program providers
- New HVAC
In the February 2021 meeting, council agreed to enlist the help of an architect or structural engineer, before looking at the options and deciding on a renovation plan for the building. The staff report recommended spending $75K to sole-source consulting services.
The project budget previously presented to council in February showed an estimate of $4,248,187.
However, the study showed that the windows and roof will need to be replaced, which was not included in the original project cost estimates.
"After further consideration, it's pretty essential that we do (replace the windows and roof)," noted Director of Community Services Terry Foran. "The roof insulation is deficient or non-existent...and holding no insulation value."
He also noted that many of the windows are damaged or broken beyond repair due to vandalism.
A new construction budget based on the recommendation of the energy/retrofit study has been created with a new cost estimate of $6,077,597, which takes into account grant funding and a 20 percent construction contingency.
The study indicated that the renovations would have a 43 percent reduction in utility cost and a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas, and would meet and/or exceed the grant criteria.
Staff is in the process of applying for the Green and Inclusive Community Building Funding (GICB) grant opportunity, which would cover 80 percent of the project costs.
"There is very strict criteria with this grant application," noted Foran.
In order to be eligible for the grant, applicants must be renovating a community space/facility with energy conservation as a priority, with a direct focus on underserved populations and community need.
"This one really does work in our favour with how the grant application reads in its criteria, and I think we are in a really strong position right now with what we have," said Foran.
Should the town be successful with the grant application, the town's commitment to the project would cost $1,215,519. The plan would have construction begin December 2021, with a completion date of Sept. 13, 2022.
"It's pretty dramatic when we see that number, we are going to be as aggressive as possible with this application," said Foran.
Councillors shared their enthusiasm for the project.
"I think this will be a real asset in our community," said Coun. Peter Dykie.
"I think we are getting a beautiful building for a decent price, with or without the grant," added Coun. Raj Sandhu. "I am hoping we are successful for that grant."
"The worst-case scenario is we have an energy-efficient building if we don't get the grant," added Coun. Jonathan Scott.
Council voted to receive the report and approve the procurement of Pinpoint Engineering to provide professional engineering services for the design, tender ready package inspection, and commissioning of the project for $372,777, before taxes.
The town will be notified if the grant application was successful within the next few weeks and an updated project business plan will be presented to council on Sept. 21, 2021.
To view the full project update, click here.
