District of Invermere council last night (Dec. 13) unanimously voted to authorize administrative staff to enter into negotiations with local company WHL Construction Ltd. on a contract to build the Kinsmen Beach washroom and concession building.

WHL’s bid of $553,900 was chosen by the district out of 12 bids received by Nov. 15, ranging from $517,000 to $948,000.

In a twist from the normal practice, the district selected WHL’s bid but will now negotiate further with the company because of the narrow time line to get the project completed, to ensure that costs do not exceed $553,900.

District chief administrative officer Chris Prosser reported to council that staff recommends “that contract negotiations be initiated with WHL Construction Ltd.  The quote supplied by this company was the most comprehensive submission and included ideas regarding potential cost savings.  The contractor has a history within the community of being on time and under budget in relation to projects of this nature.

“Staff will initiate contract negotiations with WHL Construction immediately and it is anticipated that construction could start as of March 1, 2012 with completion at the end of June 2012,” Prosser noted.

The beach washroom and concession replacement was supposed to take place in 2013 but a series of recent problems at the facility, including three different fires, as well as “more activity on the lake now than there is in the summertime” forced the district to move the project up on its priority list, Prosser told council.

“The replacement of the Kinsmen Beach washrooms and concession was identified as one of council’s top five priorities in September 2010.  Due to funding issues, this project was deferred to the beginning of 2012 for design and construction.  Kinsmen Beach is one of the prime visitor attractions in the community.  The infrastructure is dated and no longer can address the needs of the community or our visitors.  Summer and winter activity have both seen a substantial increase in use and festivals including the further expansion of the Lake Windermere Whiteway.  Kinsmen Beach is home to the Mountain Mosaic, the Regatta, Bonspiel on the Lake, Snowflake Festival and recently announced the Western Canada Pond Hockey Championship series.  All these events require an adequate facility to accommodate the uses,” he stated in his report.

“With the increased popularity of the Whiteway and our existing skating rinks, there is a need for an all season washroom and concession facility to meet the demands of the public.  Kinsmen Beach has become more than just a beach for swimming, but a major community amenity used for a multitude of events.  The district, through the Community Enhancement Plan, initiated an infrastructure renewal program at the Beach. Pathways, benches, lighting, trees and buildings are all proposed to be renewed in annual phased approach using the funds allocated from the RDS. The building is being proposed to be as green as possible.  The structure will be built from ICF forms and entirely concrete. Staff are proposing the integration of solar domestic hot water heat and power generation, ground source heat pump for heating/cooling, hardiplank siding will be used inside and out to diminish opportunities for vandalism, the building will be fully accessible, contain a commercial kitchen and staff are reviewing opportunities with local consultants for green initiatives within the building, including grey water recycling for irrigation purposes, solar hot water heating and various other initiatives that are consistent with our ICSP,” Prosser said, adding that district taxpayers won’t be footing the bill for the new building

“The project is scheduled within the 2012 Capital Plan for construction.  The funding for the project is being received through the Resort Development Strategy.  Currently the district has unexpended funds in the amount of $275,000 and has included an additional $300,000 for 2012 within the Resort Development Strategy.  As well, an application is being finalized with the Columbia Basin Trust for a request of between $200,000-$250,000,” he reported.

Council members, all new except for Spring Hawes, offered points of view on the matter, including Greg Anderson who questioned what safeguards would be in place to cut down on vandalism.

Prosser replied that a sprinkler system will be installed inside, along with surveillance cameras and a “locking system” will be implemented in the year-round accessible facility.

Anderson also noted he believes the water table “still seems a little dicey to me.”

Hawes said she hopes negotiations and construction go smoothly so the facility can be opened in time for the 2012 summer season and she also stated she hopes construction of the building can be done “as green as possible.”

Prosser said that is another key reason why the district wants to negotiate the contract, so green principles can be incorporated in the construction.

Coun. Justin Atterbury asked if a late penalty would be included in the negotiation and Prosser said there would be.

“If it (building) was off to one side of the park, not a problem,” he said, “But it is dead centre.”

Taft said that if construction continued through spring and up to July 1 that work would be shut down until the busy summer season concluded, meaning “porta-potties” would be needed at the beach.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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