Bear Lake Community Hall to get new floor

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George awarded a $55,000 contract for the work on July 16

The Bear Lake Community Hall is set to get a new floor after the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors awarded a $55,000 contract at its Thursday, July 16 meeting. A report written by district staff for the meeting said that the hall was built in 1967 and while there have been several upgrades in the intervening years, several elements need replacement or further improvements. To help pay for the flooring replacement, the regional district applied for and received a $30,000 grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Prince George regional development account.

A letter to the district from NDIT dated June 25 said the approval is valid for 12 months. Any changes to the budget or scope of the project will require written permission from NDIT to keep the funding. The remainder of the funding will be taken from the regional district’s Bear Lake Recreation Facilities service area Northern Capital Planning Grant Reserve, which currently has a balance of $42,994.36.

The report also explained that there were four bids, but that staff recommend that a mid-range bid be accepted over the cheapest one. “The key considerations include the additional services provided in the quotation, including moving and replacing furniture and other items in preparation for the project,” the report said. “The additional service is greatly appreciated by (Bear Lake Recreation Association) volunteers.”

The selected bid worth $55,000 was from Jonathan Littler, with supplies being purchased from Flooring Superstore. The recommended bid was approved unanimously by directors without debate.