Qualicum Beach council has agreed to allow staff to put out a request for proposal for the Qualicum Beach skatepark project.
Qualified contractors will be sought to complete a detailed design and construction of the proposed recreational facility located behind the town's civic centre. Council made the decision at its regular meeting on Set. 1.
The current skatepark was constructed 25 years ago and has been reported as no longer safe to use. A local user group, now known as Qualicum Beach Skaters, advocated for a comprehensive upgrade or replacement of the skatepark.
The town, based on the Qualicum Beach Skatepark Redevelopment Feasibility Study and Final Concept Report issued earlier this year, plans to build a new facility that addresses site integration issues, provides modern terrain geared towards users of all ability levels, and allows for development of athletes and wheeled sports enthusiasts in the community and surrounding areas.
Although $1.5 million has been allocated in the town's 2024-2028 financial plan for the project, not all the funding is in place. The Qualicum Beach Skaters have committed to raise $300,000 and have been conducting a variety of fundraising events as well as making grant applications to reach their target. As of Aug. 23, the group has raised $85,731.82
The town is also waiting for $500,000 from a developer’s Community Amenity Contribution and staff expects the funds to be received before the end of the month. The town will also be allocating $700,000 from the Provincial Government's Growing Communities Fund.
Although the funds are still being accumulated, town staff decided to recommend to council to seek out request for proposals (RFP) to determine if the skatepark can be built with less money than what the town has budgeted for.
"Based on some discussions that we've had with contractors and designers, it appears that there's an appetite in the market to build this project for the town at a cost that's less than the originally anticipated $1.5 million," said Luke Sales, director of planning. "So, there's a bit of a rationale for the request to move forward with the RFP at this point before the entirety of the funds are raised."
To help cut costs, the RFP-based price has been set at $1.3 million with other optional components that can be added. Starting the project late in 2025 or early 2026 during off-season construction window is another option the town can consider.
