SWOX negotiating terms for new municipal building construction

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

At its Mar. 3 council meeting, SWOX Council authorized staff to enter into negotiations with Sierra General Contracting for the commencement of phase 1 pre-construction and detailed design services for the township’s new municipal office, library, and child care facility located in Mount Elgin.

The procurement process began with a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) and seven qualified firms were shortlisted. Following issuance of the Stage 2 RFP to the shortlisted firms, two firms formally withdrew due to existing project commitments and scheduling constraints. Staff received and evaluation a total of five compliant fee proposals.

Sierra General Contracting was the highest ranked proponent best suited to build the project, beating out AEC Developments, Ball Construction, Melloul-Blarney Construction, and Reid & Deleye Contractors Ltd.

Sierra General Contracting was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Woodstock. The firm is a locally-based, privately-owned construction management and general contracting company with over 30 years experience delivering municipal, institutional, and community-focused projects across Southwestern Ontario.

According to staff, Sierra demonstrated a strong understanding of the township’s project objectives, including quality, sustainability, cost transparency, and phased governance. The firm has also expressed alignment with the township’s goals for delivering a high-quality, community-focused facility and recognizes the significance of this project within the local community.

Sierra’s proposed approach supports continuity of the work completed to date, including the concept design prepared by R. Ritz Architect Inc., preliminary engineering by SPH Engineering Inc., and the carbon analysis and feasibility work undertaken by WalterFedy.

The latest concept drawings show a two-story model with a 2,350 square foot library located on the north end of the lower level, a daycare on the south end of the lower level, and the municipal office with council chambers on the second floor.

A finalized construction management agreement will be brought back to council for review and final authorization prior to execution by the mayor and CAO.

The phase 1 pre-construction and detailed design services will cost $369,315 plus HST and will be funded from the township’s working capital reserve, which was included in the approved 2026 budget.

The rough estimate for the total project, from design through to construction, is estimated to reach $13,966,212 plus HST.