LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson's airport terminal is to soon receive new siding, windows and doors in accordance with a $454,000 contract recently awarded to Arctic Canada Construction Ltd.

Fort Simpson's airport terminal is getting an overhaul, including improved insulation and new windows, siding and doors to increase energy efficiency. - April Hudson/NNSL photo

Tenders for the project closed Oct. 8 with two bids. Arctic Canada Construction Ltd.'s bid came in nearly $100,000 below the second bid.

According to the initial request for tenders posted on the GNWT's Public Works and Services site, the contract does not include the building's roof system.

When asked for comment, Fort Simpson Mayor Darlene Sibbeston said she found the amount of the contract to be high.

"That is quite a bit of money to spend on siding, doors and windows," Sibbeston said. "When an over-inflated price is accepted, it really questions the validity of the decision makers."

Sibbeston referenced Fort Simpson's health centre, which was recently delayed another seven years, as an example of why she took issue with the terminal's costs.

"The government has an option to not accept bids if they are overpriced.

"Why not start practising that to get a more realistic price that reflects the scope of work?" she said. "I don't understand why the government doesn't demand realistic pricing for their (requests for proposals)."

Jhillian Adams, manager of policy, legislation and communications with

Public Works and Services, stated in an e-mail that the contract was awarded following the competitive tender process and that the price tag was "in keeping with similar sized projects in the community."

"It was determined that the exterior envelope of the building was beyond its useful life," she added.

"Replacement of windows, doors and siding is needed to prolong the use of this important facility."

Insulation upgrades to improve energy efficiency

Adams added the government expects upgrades to the building's insulation will improve the terminal's energy efficiency. In a follow-up e-mail, she stated insulation work will be undertaken as part of this contract.

"(That will reduce) operation and maintenance costs and (generate) greenhouse gas reductions," she stated.

Work is expected to begin right away, with Public Works and Services citing a targeted completion date of March 31 next year.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.