Creston council has awarded a contract worth up to $247,546 for improvements to the Armitage Building as part of the second phase of the ʔak̓uǂni redevelopment project.
Council approved awarding the contract Tuesday to T.A. Rendek and Associates Ltd. for structural and site improvements that will create new gathering spaces while improving accessibility at the building.
A staff report said the work includes heavy timber features at the front and rear entrances, pergolas, concrete work and seating areas. The town received $997,918.20 to support Phase 2 of the project through the province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
Corporate Officer Kirsten Dunbar told council tuesday that staff issued a request for proposals in June, with T.A. Rendek and Associates submitting a bid that aligned with the project’s scope, schedule and contractor qualifications.
“The structural and site enhancements will support the creation of new gathering spaces and advance the overall vision for the site,” she said.
The approved contract includes $36,000 in cash allowances for work that cannot be fully defined until construction begins.
For this project, Dunbar said the cash allowances have been allocated for geotechnical requirements, testing and inspections, asphalt removal, concrete removal, concrete masonry unit modifications, concrete supply, and archaeology-related elements. That means the total cost could come in below the approved maximum.
Mayor Arnold DeBoon asked whether wood salvaged from the former Creston Valley grain elevators could be incorporated into the project.
“We have a bunch of wood from the grain elevators. I’m not sure if any of that could be repurposed for this, because it would be wonderful to use some of that wood in a community project,” he said.
Dunbar said staff have already explored that possibility.
“We’ve been in contact with CBT and looking at utilizing some of that wood, mostly for some more decorative features,” shesaid. “It can be challenging structurally for engineering purposes, but yes, that is on the table, and we are looking for ways to include some of that if we can.”
The Town of Creston purchased the Armitage Building in 2024 with support from a $366,000 Columbia Basin Trust Land Acquisition Grant.
The municipality plans to transform the building into a permanent public space promoting tourism, arts, culture and heritage while continuing to house the Creston Valley Visitor Centre.
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