Centre Wellington is shelling out over $70,000 for chain link fencing along the Elora Gorge by the community centre.
On Jan. 21, councillors here confirmed the award of tender to supply and install Elora Gorge fencing to Cedar Springs Landscape Group of Ancaster in the amount of $73,625 (excluding HST).
The tender is to provide 335 linear metres of 1.5-metre tall ornamental fence system manufactured by Ameristar Fence Products Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Bids for the project ranged from $382,750 down to the accepted bid of $73,625.
Local bids from Yard Weasels Inc of Fergus and Town and Country Fencing of Guelph were missing required financial documents.
The fencing price is roughly $27,000 more than budgeted for.
Councillor Kelly Linton questioned why one bid was substantially higher than the rest.
“Were the terms of reference clear?”
With one bid coming in at $382,720, he asked, “was it gold-plated fencing?”
CFO/Treasurer Wes Snarr said that bid came from Grand Falls, New Brunswick, “… so travel costs were probably included.” However, Snarr also said “I really do not have an explanation [for the range].”
CAO Andy Goldie pointed out the fencing being installed is black vinyl chain link fence.
Originally wrought iron picket fencing was considered, “but the costs were substantially higher.”
Goldie said it was deemed the higher level of service was not affordable.
In answer to councillor Mary Lloyd’s question about the fence length, Goldie said it transverses the entire distance of the gorge/cliff edge surrounding the community centre.
Council subsequently endorsed the tender.
