Bolton fire station project delayed, contractor removed

April 26, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

Due to an issue with Pegah Construction Ltd., the contractor hired to construct the new Bolton fire station, completion of the project will be delayed.

In a press release sent to the Citizen, the Town of Caledon has confirmed they have exercised its contractual right to secure the project site, meaning a security company will ensure there is no damage or loss to the site.

“Despite the Town’s efforts to work with the contractor responsible for the construction, certain contractual obligations have not been fulfilled and therefore the contractor has been found in default of its agreement,” said Fuwing Wong, the town’s General Manager, Finance and Infrastructure Services. “The Town continually monitors our projects to ensure they are completed in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. We hold our contractors accountable for the work that they are hired to do.”

The new 21,700 square foot station on Bolton’s north hill was originally to be completed in late 2017.

David Arbuckle, General Manager of Strategic Services, said the contractor was not fired, but was in fact removed. “We have the ability through the contract to be able to remove them and then work with the bonding company to arrange to complete the project.”

He added they are negotiating with the bonding company to bring in labour to complete key project milestones.

“The new Bolton Fire Station continues to be a priority for the Town in providing fire protection services to our residents, both in Bolton and throughout Caledon,” said Fire Chief Darryl Bailey. “This new emergency services facility is an important piece of public infrastructure for our growing community.”

Mr. Arbuckle said it is unknown how long the project will be delayed, but the town is working towards a completion time by the end of the year. “We just have to see what the available pool of labour may be with contractors and sub contractors.”

He said it is unknown if the project will need to be re-tendered, as it depends on how the discussion goes with the bonding company.

The town’s press release also stated that the financial impacts related to any additional costs are still under review.

The Bolton firefighter force currently has 40 volunteers and 20 full-time firefighters, and will remain open.