HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 32-25Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 32-25
Date: Novem ber 3, 2025
From: Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject: Consulting Services for George Ashe Library & Community Centre Renovation
File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1.That Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-10 for Consulting Services for George Ashe
Library & Community Centre, as submitted by Barry Bryan Associates in the amount of
$263,558.40 (net HST) be accepted;
2.That the total gross project cost of $412,450.00 (HST included) for design and associated
costs, and the total net project cost of $371,424.00 (net HST) be approved;
3.That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of
$371,424.00 as approved in the 2020 and 2023 Capital Budgets and funded from the
Casino Reserve, Library Building Reserve and Property Tax;
4.That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the OAA_600-2021-A_
V1.2_Contract with Barry Bryan Associates pursuant to Request for Proposal No.
RFP2025-10; and,
5.That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in the report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to award professional consulting
services for the design and associated costs required for the renovation of George Ashe
Library & Community Centre (GALCC), located at 470 Kingston Road in Pickering.
GALCC was originally constructed and opened in 2001. After nearly 25 years of continuous
use, the facility requires renewal to remain safe, functional, and welcoming. The building is
highly valued and heavily used by the community, but some of its systems and finishes have
reached the end of their service life. Timely investment will ensure the facility’s longevity while
modernizing key systems and components to serve the community.
The proposed renovations will modernize GALCC , improving accessibility, comfort, and
technology while creating more welcoming and flexible spaces for the community. Interior work
will focus on renovations to the library, east corridor, public washrooms, staff offices and
mechanical and accessibility upgrades. Exterior elements include resurfacing the existing
parking lot, replacing existing lighting with energy efficient LED fixtures, and reconfiguration of
the driveway and pedestrian access to accommodate the planned widening of Kingston Road
by Durham Region.
CS 32-25 November 3, 2025
Page 2
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-10 was advertised on the City’s bids&tenders portal on
July 17, 2025, and closed on August 18, 2025. Ten proposals were submitted.
The Evaluation Committee, consisting of staff from Community Services and the Pickering
Library , reviewed and evaluated submitted proposals based on each proponent ’s experience
and qualifications, similar or related projects, understanding of the project, and pricing.
The top ranked proposal submitted by Barry Bryan Associates, in the amount of $263,558.40
(net HST), is recommended for approval. The total gross project cost is estimated to be
$412,450.00, and the total net project cost is estimated at $371,424 (net HST).
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to
Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community.
Financial Implications:
1. RFP Amount
RFP2025-10 $259,000.00
HST (13%) 33,670.00
Total Gross Proposal Cost $292,670.00
2. Estimated Project Costing Summary
RFP2025-10 $259,000.00
Permits, Approvals 45,000.00
Testing, Inspections, Survey 30,000.00
Contingency 31,000.00
Total Project Cost $365,000.00
HST (13%) 47,450.00
Total Gross Project Costs $412,450.00
HST Rebate (11.24%) (41,026.00)
Total Net Project Cost $371,424.00
CS 32-25 November 3, 2025
Page 3
3. Approved Source of Funds
Approved
Code
Source of
Funds
Approved
Budget
YTD Actuals +
Commitments
Balance
available
Funds
Required
C10220.2009
(2020)
Property
Tax
$20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00
C10220.2301
(2023)
Casino
Reserve
330,000.00 0.00 330,000.00 330,000.00
C10900.2303
(2023)
Library
Building
Reserve
110,000.00 0.00 110,000.00 21,424.00
Total Funds $460,000.00 $0.00 $460,000.00 $371,424.00
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to award professional consulting services
required for the design and associated work for the renovation of GALCC .
Built in 2001, GALCC is a much-loved and heavily used facility, but its systems and finishes
are showing their age. Water drainage issues, roof deterioration, and HVAC imbalances are
already affecting comfort and efficiency, and will eventually lead to further damage and higher
repair costs. Timely investment will prevent escalating issues while modernizing the building to
serve the community for the next 20 years or more.
Key issues driving the need for renovations include:
•Interior renovations: Evolving public library usage calls for updating branch spaces
and replacing outdated furniture, fixtures, and finishes. Tightly packed staff areas
throughout the facility no longer function effectively and need to be reconfigured to
adapt to current and future use. The existing public washrooms also require cosmetic
upgrades due to wear and tear. Minor upgrades to acoustic separations, lighting and life
safety systems will also be considered throughout the building.
•Exterior repairs: Water drainage problems exist along the east wall that will be
repaired, along with roof repairs. The sloped portions of the east wall, next to the
parking lot, are clad in an exterior insulation and f inish system, which has been stained
with heavy water flows and wear over time. The grading between this wall and the
adjacent parking lot and sidewalks drains poorly and requires correction. The parking lot
will be resurfaced, lighting fixtures upgraded to LED for energy efficiency and lighting
levels improved for safety and accessibility. The project will also adapt the existing
driveway, sidewalk and accessibility ramp along Kingston Road to accommodate plans
for its future widening.
Project Cost under (over) approved funds by
88,576.00
CS 32-25 November 3, 2025
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•Mechanical system performance: Major upgrades and lifecycle replacement to the
facility’s existing HVAC systems have recently been completed. Interior air distribution
and control systems will be upgraded and re-balanced as part of this renovation.
•Accessibility and safety: Upgrades are needed to the entry ramp, entrances, doors,
and wayfinding to meet current accessibility standards. Staff are currently completing an
exterior lighting study for this facility. Its findings will be addressed as part of this
renovation project.
•Aging finishes and spaces: Flooring, walls, and ceilings are worn, and will be
updated.
In addition to addressing these essential repairs, the renovations will refresh and modernize
the facility to better support current and future community needs. Improvements will include
flexible program spaces, new technology, more efficient building systems, and enhancements
to accessibility and comfort, with the majority of interior work to be focused in the branch library
spaces.
In accordance with Report CS 04-23 (Resolution #79/23), the City applied for grant funding for
this project with a more substantial project scope through the federal government’s Green and
Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program . The GICB grant program includes significant
requirements for energy efficiency improvements. The City’s application was unsuccessful,
thus the proposed scope of the renovation has been scaled back by removing many of the
recommended upgrades.
Subject to Council approval, design work will commence immediately, anticipating completion
by Q4 of 2026.
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-10 was advertised on the City’s bids&tenders portal on
July 17, 2025, and closed on August 18, 2025. Ten proposals were submitted. The Evaluation
Committee, consisting of staff from Community Services, Library and Procurement, reviewed
and evaluated submitted proposals based on each proponent’s experience and qualifications,
similar or related projects, understanding of the project, and pricing.
All required pre-conditions of award have been received, reviewed and approved. The top
ranked proposal submitted by Barry Bryan Associates, in the amount of $263,558.40 (net
HST), is recommended for approval. The total gross project cost is estimated to be
$412,450.00 and the total net project cost is estimated at $371,424.00 (net HST).
Attachment: None
CS 32-25 November 3, 2025
Page 5
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Orginal Signed By Original Signed By
Vince Plouffe, OAA, MRAIC Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc.
Division Head, Facilities Management Director, Community Services
& Construction
Original Signed By
Cathy Bazinet, CPPB, NIGP-CPP
Manager, Procurement
Original Signed By
Jackie Flowers
CEO/Director of Public Libraries
Original Signed By
Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA
Director, Finance & Treasurer
LG :vp
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer