Thursday passed without the province awarding the contract for construction of the police college.
Fort Macleod Mayor Shawn Patience isn’t pushing the panic button at yet another delay in the project awarded in 2006 to Fort Macleod.
“I am not too concerned that the process is taking slightly longer than expected,” Patience said. “The latest schedule came out after the election and so I have to believe the minister or a designate will make the announcement as soon as it works for them.”
The government had indicated it would award the contract June 7 to one of three companies shortlisted for the $122-million project.
Patience has contacted the government but has not yet had a reply.
“We are just waiting patiently, well, some of us, and while there may be a number of theories out there, I can assure you, everything I have heard certainly suggests the project is continuing to move forward,” Patience said. “While it may be a few days later than scheduled, I expect the contract for construction to be awarded fairly soon.”
In February the province issued a request for proposals from PCL Construction Management Inc., Cana Management Ltd. and Bird Design-Build Construction Inc.
The June 7 target for awarding the contract was part of the schedule released leading to the Alberta Public Security and Law Enforcement Training Centre opening in September 2014.
“I expect the announcement quite soon,” Town of Fort Macleod economic development officer Martin Ebel said. “I expect construction fairly soon after that as well.”
According to the province’s schedule, construction of the training centre is scheduled to begin in June, with substantial completion expected by Aug. 1, 2014.
Delivery of furniture and installation of equipment is scheduled from July 2 to Aug. 15, 2014.
Occupancy is scheduled for Aug. 16, 2014, with the project completed Aug. 29, 2014.
The training centre is to open Sept. 2, 2014.
The Alberta Public Security and Law Enforcement Training Centre is to train 250 police recruits, 250 Sheriffs and Corrections officers, 250 community peace officers and 600 professional development students each year.
The college will include a residence that can house 270 students.
The facility will include classrooms, indoor and outdoor firearm ranges, a driving track, gymnasium, running track and eating facilities.
