Oct 18, 2023

Update on waterfront Artist Studio project

The Town of Ladysmith is cancelling the tender to build a new waterfront Artist Studio due to the respective bids exceeding the proposed project budget and exploring next steps with granting agencies for the use of the funds.

For larger projects, the Town follows s standard policy for procuring goods and services.  In August 2023, interested parties were invited to review the tender documents for the studio project and submit a competitive bid based on the scope of the work.

The Town received six compliant bids for the studio construction and the average cost exceeded the Town’s budget by over 200 per cent.

More recently, local governments have faced significant inflationary cost increases for similar projects of this scale.  The Town retained a consultant in December 2022 to prepare a cost estimate for the studio before tendering the project.

Under the direction of Council, staff continue to explore grant funding opportunities where possible for capital projects to offset the financial burden on taxpayers.

The Town previously received a $3,307,500 federal grant to fund the construction of the studio and other components of the Arts & Heritage Hub as outlined in the Waterfront Area Plan.

Additional funding totaling $299,200 was successfully received last year through the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s Capital and Innovation Program.

Despite the bids exceeding the Town’s budget, Council is proud of the design and value in the work done to date, such as the collaboration among project steering committee members and as well as with Stz’uminus Elders.

Moving forward, Ladysmith Council has directed that staff discuss next steps with the funders.

The Town looks forward to sharing an update with the community when more details are available.

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Media Requests:

Mike Gregory
Communications and Engagement Specialist
mgregory@ladysmith.ca
250.210.1740