By Cecilia Nasmith
Cobourg council voted at this week's committee-of-the-whole to take another kick at the can on specialized repairs to Victoria Hall in hopes of a better price.
The sandstone on the pillars around Victoria Hall's front door has sustained weather damage over the years and pieces are missing around the front entrance doors. These issues require skilled craftsmanship to address
A staff report from treasurer Ian Davey recommended the project be re-tendered next year, as all bids received exceeded the $85,000 budgeted figure.
Qualified bids received ranged from $268,500 to $348,500.
Councillor Nicole Beatty worried about how time-sensitive the repairs are, and wondered if the budgeted amount is just too low.
“I sat in on the actual tender openings, and I had the same questions,” Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin admitted.
Davey held out hope for savings with a subsequent tender if the town issues the call early in the new year - “say February or March,” he suggested.
“We may get a better price, as contractors are looking for work at that time.”
