One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city is getting some work done.
This week, Timmins council awarded Cy Rheault Construction Ltd. a $520,000 contract to restore the McIntyre Headframe.
“Currently the headframe is being used by Newmont as part of its operations for the Hollinger pit, however, the headframe does belong to the city. It does require some significant repairs,” acting Parks and Recreation manager Gerry Paquette told council.
Once work at the Hollinger pit is done, the property will be returned to the city. The report says there are plans for future attractions and development in the arts, culture and heritage sector.
The structure has been reviewed by engineers who developed a scope of work for necessary structural repairs and building improvements to ensure its structural integrity, according to the report.
The city is receiving funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Community, Culture and Recreation. The city's contribution is 26.7 per cent of the project costs. The expense is in the 2021 capital budget.
"We are proposing to use the surplus funds to contact our engineering consultants and look at potential areas to expand the scope of work, to take full advantage of the funding," reads the report.
Two bids were received for the project, with Cy Rheault being the lowest.
The second bid was from A.J. Electric & Contracting for $899,000.
While cost is an important consideration, Coun. Michelle Boileau noted the McIntyre Headframe is a building of heritage significance. Work is ongoing to create a list of heritage buildings in Timmins.
Boileau questioned if contractors have the necessary qualifications to work on heritage buildings and if it was a factor in the proposal.
Paquette said the project was a tender, which is evaluated strictly on price.
"It wasn't a request for proposal where there was a whole criteria that was weighted and scored," he said.
Work on McIntyre Headframe last came up in 2019 when a bid for high-priority repairs was not approved after the work came in much higher than the city had budgeted. At that time the contingency plan was to deal with more obvious repair work such as loose cladding on the building.
