TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 2, 2026 Report No. P&R-26-003
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks and Recreation
Dan Henderson, Manager of Facilities
SUBJECT: Arena Slab Replacement Project - Tender Award
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council award the Tender - General Contractor - Arena Slab Replacement Project, including all optional components identified in the Archie Browning Sports Centre Energy Conservation Measures (Phase 1), and future change orders within the approved budget, to Blackrete Builders Inc. in the amount of $2,198,890.00 excluding GST, as included in the 2025/26 Capital Plan (R266).
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to award a construction contract, for the Arena Slab Replacement Project at the Archie Browning Sports Centre, to Blackrete Builder Inc, for General Contractor requirements.
BACKGROUND:
The Township of Esquimalt is committed to maintaining and improving its infrastructure through capital replacements/upgrades to ensure reliable and efficient infrastructure for its residents.
The Arena Slab Replacement Project (R266) is a necessary replacement as the current arena slab has passed its life expectancy. Bradley Refrigeration Consulting was hired to provide a report on the floor’s condition and lifecycle. This report confirmed that the arena slab requires replacement.
Tender Summary
On December 15th, 2025, an invitation to tender was posted for the General Contractor - Arena Slab Project. The invitation closed on January 23rd, 2026. The following is a summary of the three bids received:
Bidder Total Bid Amount (excludes GST)
Blackrete Builders Inc. $2,198,890.00
Farmer Construction. $2,556,908.41
Spherica Group (Reward Construction). $2,702,760.00
Staff and the Township’s consultant reviewed the bids and determined all three bids meet the requirements of the tender. Blackrete Builders Inc. is the low bidder and will be the only bid listed for the remainder of this report.
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend awarding the contract to the low bidder Blackrete Builders Inc.
The low bidder for this project is within the budget and allows for sufficient contingency to be used during construction. If awarded, construction would start in Spring 2026 and extend into late Summer 2026.
Project planning is already underway, and staff are implementing measures to mitigate anticipated impacts on the upcoming ice season. As with any major renovation, there are inherent risks that may affect timelines and could potentially delay the resumption of operations; however, staff will continue to manage and monitor these risks throughout the project.
Environmental Impact:
The Arena Slab Replacement Project will allow the Township to reduce its GHG arena emissions with new heat recovery systems. Staff will apply for grant funding where applicable. Our GHG consultant has included these recommendation(s) in their project.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council award a construction contract, including all optional components identified in the Archie Browning Sports Centre Energy Conservation Measures (Phase 1), and future change orders within the approved budget, to Blackrete Builders Inc. in the amount of $2,198,890.00 excluding GST, as included in the 2025/26 Capital Plans (R266).
2. That Council request additional information from staff.
3. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance & Organizational Excellence
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The adopted 2025-2029 Financial Plan included a total budget amount of $2,700,000 spread over two fiscal years.
The Arena Floor Replacement will be funded by the Infrastructure Reserve Fund.
The bid for the Arena Slab Replacement Project - General Contractor, combined with the allocated consultant fees are within the overall project budget.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Staff have proactively communicated the project timelines, anticipated construction impacts, and potential effects on the 2026-27 ice season to user groups and the public. This has included direct outreach to ice sport organizations, ongoing discussions with regular facility renters, and public updates through Township communication channels.
As the project progresses, staff will continue to provide clear and timely information regarding construction milestones, operational impacts, and any schedule adjustments. Should risks or delays emerge during the renovation, staff will notify affected stakeholders promptly and work to minimize disruptions wherever possible.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
The next step in this project is issuance of a notice of award pending Council approval. The project is scheduled to start in March of 2026, and substantial completion is currently identified as August 2026.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Steve Knoke, Director of Parks & Recreation,
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance,
3. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services,
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer,
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