Council greenlights next phase of Beaverton Harbour waterfront improvements

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Plans for new public washrooms at Beaverton Harbour are moving forward, after Council directed staff to hire Flexcell Engineering Inc. to begin design work and soil testing.

The decision was made at Council’s regular meeting, on Monday, January 12th, following the presentation of a report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward which outlined the results of a competitive tender process and the rationale behind staff’s recommendation.

The new washroom facility is a key component of the Township’s Waterfront Area & Open Spaces Plan, for Beaverton Harbour, a long-term strategy aimed at improving public access, amenities, and overall visitor experience at the waterfront.

“This is about moving from planning to action,” said Mayor Mike Jubb. “We’ve done the work, to create strong plans for Beaverton Harbour, and now we’re making sure those plans don’t just sit on a shelf. This project is a practical step forward which residents and visitors will actually see and use.”

Council approval was required because staff recommended awarding the contract to a bidder which was not the lowest-priced submission. According to the report, seven bids were received, after the tender was posted on the Township’s Bids and Tenders procurement website.

While MXL Engineering & Associates Inc. and Deltoid Consulting Inc. submitted the two lowest bids, at $29,000 and $34,400 respectively, staff determined both firms lacked the required experience for a new-build washroom facility. Their references focused primarily on interior renovation projects, and neither demonstrated experience designing a new standalone building of similar scope.

“Our review goes beyond cost alone,” Mr. Ward explained. “This project requires specific expertise in designing a new public facility in a waterfront environment. After reviewing the submissions and references, staff were confident Flexcell Engineering Inc. has the appropriate experience to successfully deliver this work.”

Flexcell Engineering Inc. submitted a bid of $57,370, excluding non-refundable HST. The firm has recently completed the design of an industrial building, in Mount Albert, as well as subdivision work, in Kawartha Lakes, experience staff say aligns well with the Township’s needs.

The 2025 capital budget includes $100,000, specifically allocated for design and soil testing, for the Beaverton Harbour washrooms, meaning the recommended bid falls well within approved funding limits.

Mr. Ward also noted, the project addresses an immediate infrastructure need.

“The existing washrooms at Beaverton Harbour are in poor condition and nearing the end of their useful life,” he said. “Replacing them is an important part of asset management and ensuring the harbour remains a welcoming and functional space for the community.”

Council formally approved the recommendation, through a resolution to receive the staff report, and authorized staff to hire Flexcell Engineering Inc. The motion was moved by Councillor Claire Doble and seconded by Councillor Peter Frank.

Design work and soil testing are expected to begin in the coming months, with further updates to be brought to Council as the project progresses.