The Town of Yarmouth has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to gather submissions from qualified consultants to complete the detailed design and project management for Phase 1 of the Yarmouth ferry terminal upgrades.
The RFP, which has been made available to interested consultants via Procurement Nova Scotia, allows for proposals to be submitted up until March 27, according to a media release issued by the town.
The town says the intended outcome of the RFP is to award the project to a consultant that has proven experience and knowledge with the type of work being proposed, and that also provides a comprehensive strategic plan for implementation and management of the entire project and design. Given the complexity of the of the work to be completed and given the fact that the ferry operating season overlaps with the prime construction season, a strong emphasis will be placed on completing the work with minimal impact on the operation of the ferry service.
The selected consultant firm will be tasked with performing a number of key upgrades covered in Phase 1. Core elements of the project include upgrading and relocating of both the primary inspection line and toll booths, improving yard lighting, replacement of the transfer bridge and pontoon, and upgrades to the existing terminal building.
The redevelopment of the terminal is the largest capital project undertaken by the town in over 15 years and Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood says it will be a primary focus for council and staff over the next three years.
"This is an exciting and important project that will require our full attention and focus as we begin work this spring," said Mayor Mood. "The ferry is critical to this region and the entire province in continuing to develop the tourism industry. Upgrading the terminal and making sure we have the proper infrastructure in place for its operation helps to ensure the stability of the service for years to come."
Phase 1 has an overall anticipated cost of around $9 million. The redevelopment project is being funded by three levels of government. The federal and provincial governments are each contributing $3 million towards the project. The town of Yarmouth is now contributing $1.5 million towards the work. The Municipality of Yarmouth is contributing $1.2 million and the Municipality of Argyle is adding $300,000.
Shortly after the funding announcement last fall, preliminary concept work began under a Halifax–based engineering firm. Their work provided the foundation for the development of the RFP by the Town of Yarmouth Engineering Department, under the guidance of a steering committee established to oversee the project in its entirety.
Since late January, the steering committee has been meeting bi-weekly to carefully review a variety of key items including the development of the RFP, timelines as related to specific project milestones, project expenses, and more.
Once the RFP submission date of March 27 passes, the steering committee will carefully evaluate all submissions. A recommendation will be brought to town council with a decision expected at the April 11 Council meeting. Work is scheduled to begin at the terminal in early May with all Phase 1 work completed by the fall of 2021.
About the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is made up of Staff from the Town of Yarmouth, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Bay Ferries Ltd., and the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth. The purpose of the committee is to oversee and administer the first phase of redevelopment, which involves management of the project's scope of work, potential risks, deliverables, contracted resources, budget and project timeline to meet established terms of agreement with funders and stakeholders.
