County gets the most for its money with Administration Building expansion

The final numbers are calculated and Grey County has completed the addition and renovation of the Administration Building under the project budget and well below the average municipal building cost. The final numbers were shared with Grey County Council on December 20 during Committee of the Whole. The total project cost including constructing and architect fees was $12,115,126 which is $8,152 less than the budget approved by County Council in 2016.

“Two years ago we set out to build a service centre of excellence for the people of Grey County and I’m thrilled to say we’ve achieved that goal and we did it on time and on budget,” said Dwight Burley, Chair of the Building Task Force. “We’ve made many improvements to our services through this project. Our new building is better equipped to serve our clients, it’s fully accessible and the simple yet modern design leaves a lasting impression with anyone who pays us a visit.”

Roughly 71,400 square feet of new space was added and renovated in the project at a cost of about $170 per square foot. Comparatively, the 2017 Canadian Construction Cost Guide published by Altus Group lists construction costs for municipal buildings in this area at between $185 and $250 per square foot.

“From the beginning we were determined to keep our project costs low. Fortunately Devlan Construction Ltd. won the project tender with a very competitive bid and we were able to work closely with them over the past two years to ensure we were getting the most for our money,” said Burley.

The project is being self-financed by borrowing from the County’s strong reserves.

Construction of the new addition began in June of 2016 but the project’s history dates back much further. For years a Space Needs Task Force evaluated the County’s growing needs for more space. Services were expanding, the Administration Building was aging and the Provincial Offences Court, located on the same site, wasn’t meeting provincial standards and needed a facility. After years of careful consideration of many different solutions Council voted to proceed with a new addition and significant renovation of the existing building.

“Making the decision to replace or expand is never easy, it’s rarely popular but it does eventually become necessary. The Administration Building addition was necessary and thanks to a lot of thoughtful planning the new building is sure to serve Grey County’s needs for many more years to come,” said Grey County Warden Selwyn “Buck” Hicks.

Administration Building Facts and Features

• Total cost of $12,115,126
• 71,400 sq. feet of new space
• Improved energy efficiency
• Accessible building design
• New Provincial Offences Court
• Enhanced service area to improve efficiency and access to services
• Warm and welcoming environment with natural light
• New Council Chamber
• Multi-functional space available to the public

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For more information contact Rob Hatten, communications manager, at rob.hatten [at] grey.ca (rob[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-372-0219 ext.1235 or 519-373-1592.