By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mount Pearl City Council has approved $80,148 worth of kitchen appliances needed to outfit the community centre that is currently under construction.
Big Eric’s was recommended by City administration as the lowest compliant bidder on the tender, which includes the supply of six appliances including a double door commercial refrigerator, double door commercial freezer, commercial propane range, commercial food warmer, commercial dishwasher and a commercial glass washer.
“The new Community Centre presently under construction will house a full commercial kitchen suitable to host a variety of catered functions from corporate luncheons to community events to wedding receptions,” read the report by staff that went to council at its April 14 public meeting. “Many of these appliances have specific electrical and plumbing requirements and as such must be sourced and identified prior to the start of the plumbing and electrical components of the construction process.”
Chandler provided a quote of $82,772 for the appliances, while the one from Atlantic Supplies weighed in at $80,403.
Delivery of the appliances will be deferred until this fall to align with the anticipated completion and opening of the new community centre.
Councillor Jim Locke pointed out the original concept was to move many of the activities from the Reid Community Centre to the new community centre, and revert the Reid Centre back to focus more on sporting activities.
“I know we spent some significant investments to upgrade the kitchen at the Reid Community Centre, so I’m just curious could that equipment,” said Locke. “I don’t know what the state of the equipment is like at the Reid Community Centre – is that something we could move down to our new community centre?”
Staff responded by saying that although the plan is to move most events down to the new centre, not every event and community group will be moved. Keeping the kitchen facilities at the Reid Centre, it was pointed out, allows capacity for booking events at the same time.
