Local contractors will get a shot at building the new fire hall and swimming pool, city council was told Monday night when the outcome of Sunday's referendum was discussed.
Responding to a question from Coun. Brian Skakun, city administrative services general manager Walter Babicz said selecting a procurement method will be among the next steps for the projects.
"And whichever method is selected, it'll be open and transparent and available for both local and non-local bidders to bid on," Babicz said.
The answer drew approval from Skakun, who had said he's already heard talk that the work should go to local businesses and tradespeople.
"I know we're limited by trade agreements and that," Skakun acknowledged.
Of those who voted on whether to borrow $35 million for a new Four Seasons pool downtown, 62.5 per cent were in favour while borrowing $15 million for a new fire hall at a site on Massey Drive drew 82.8 per cent.
The outcome left at least one council member in an upbeat mood.
"This is great news and I think it's going to portend great things for the city moving forward," Coun. Garth Frizzell said. "I can see this as the start of some really good things being attracted downtown by the pool and some great news for the residents about the firehall. This is a good win."
Construction of the projects will likely begin in late 2018 with a completion date of 2019 for the fire hall and 2020 for the pool, which will be built on the site of the Days Inn motel at Sixth and Quebec.
