April 25, 2024 New Facility Update
Planning for the New Recreation Centre is proceeding for Dawson City. Currently, work is ongoing on the development of a $65 million facility on the South-East side of the Dome Road/Klondike Highway intersection.
Here’s some brief notes to update you on the project:
Here’s some brief notes to update you on the project:
- A tender has been issued by Yukon Government utilizing a Progressive-Design-Build contract for the new facility, which will close in May. The contractor will be tasked with designing and building a new recreation facility for our community.
- Progressive Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: For this building, we will be implementing a progressive design-build, as opposed to a design-bid-build. A design-bid-build method separates contracts for the design and construction phases of the project. Increasingly, this method can result in the design of unaffordable buildings, based on the disconnect between the design of the building and what the market dictates it costs to initiate and finalize construction. A progressive-design-build is an alternative procurement method where one contract is issued for the design and construction of a project, with collaborative decision-making between the client, design team and construction company. This contract-enforced process results in a design that is reflective of what is possible and affordable during the construction phase. For this reason many municipalities are moving to utilize this method more and more. Advantages of this method are the transparency in costing, flexibility in construction process, collaborative process throughout the project, reduction in contingencies and certainty in maximum pricing. For these reasons, we are moving to a progressive-design-build.
- Funding for this facility is earmarked from the Yukon Government's portion of Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) from the federal government. To formalize the $65 million earmarked for the new recreation facility, a detailed plan must be submitted by September to the federal government. Should a plan not be satisfactorily presented by this time, this funding will be re-allocated to other community needs within the Territory.
- Advisory Group (City of Dawson Recreation Board): To assist in planning a facility that is reflective of the desires of the community, the City of Dawson has directed the Recreation Board to act as an advisory group during the development of the facility. This group comprises 8 regular members, including a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in-appointed member, and a number of advisors. At this time the group includes: Peter Menzies, Monna Sprokkreeff, Brent Mcdonald, Dawn Kisoun, Megan Macdougall, Ashley Doiron, Amélie Morin, Diana Andrews, Helen Dewell, Louise Blanchard. Regular meetings have begun for this group, and discussions have been initiated to help inform the contractor once they are hired.
- This project is being managed by the Yukon Government, in partnership with the City of Dawson, who is advised by the Recreation Board. Upon completion of construction, City of Dawson will be the owner and operator of the facility and will be responsible for the costs associated with operating this facility.
- Extensive work on this project has already occurred in previous iterations of this building. The work on design, site investigation, public consultation, and project development will be considered and utilized to assist in the upcoming decisions made on this project.
- The design for this project is envisioned to develop a year-round recreation centre that will replace and improve upon the amenities featured at the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre, which continues to face deficiencies as a result of melting permafrost under the building. The Art and Margaret Fry Rec Centre is monitored annually by engineering firms and work is planned to improve its stability to keep it safe for use during the ongoing planning and construction of a new recreation centre.
City of Dawson recognizes the urgency that adhering to a September deadline will require on our behalf and understands the importance this facility plays in the future of our community. As such, this project is being prioritized by staff, which may affect the delivery of other projects and services within our department.