City council has selected a contractor to install a new cooling system at the museum, one year after the purchase was approved.
The installation was delayed after the company originally selected to perform the work declared bankruptcy.
On May 15, 2013, the city invited companies to submit bids to supply and install a roof-mounted chiller at the Museum at Campbell River but the company that responded ran into financial trouble.
“Council approved the award of this tender to Torry and Sons Plumbing and Heating Ltd.,” wrote Jason Decksheimer, the city’s asset management supervisor, in a report to council.
“However, Torry and Sons declared bankruptcy before the work could begin.”
The tender was re-issued on December 3 of last year but that didn’t work out either.
Decksheimer said the city received only one bid but it was higher than the amount council had budgeted for the work and the city was forced to cancel the tender.
Now, nearly one year after the tender was originally submitted the city has found a new contractor to get the work done, although it will come in $427 over budget.
Council, at its meeting last week, approved awarding the job to Archie Johnstone Plumbing & Heating at a cost of $155,420 GST excluded. The job involves replacing two existing chillers, of 65-ton capacity, with a 40-ton scroll chiller.
“The main, 55-ton chiller at the Museum has completely failed and the supplementary 10-ton unit does not provide adequate air conditioning through the summer months,” Decksheimer wrote.
“The museum must maintain consistent and specified indoor temperatures and humidity control for many of the exhibits.”
The project is funded through the Community Works Fund.