With the construction of the City of Weyburn's new Fleet Vehicle Storage Facility being ready earlier this summer, now it's time to get demolition underway for the old roundhouse building.

During last night's regular meeting, Weyburn City Council awarded the demolition tender to a local company, A&B Concrete, who will do the job for just over $40,000.

Councillor Dick Michel noted that it's important the tender be open to all options.

"Everybody had a site visit to see what they're up against and the A&B Concrete got it," he said.

The disparity between bids from local and non-local contractors was, however, significant, as shown below. 

Screengrab from the Council agenda found here: https://weyburn.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/52469?preview=58200

"Even though the numbers were different, different spread, everybody had the opportunity to see what was going on, and knowing A & B Concrete, Mr. Volbrecht, he knows what he's doing, and he put the numbers in, it's beneficial that he's local and for the taxpayers as well."

Councillor Laura Morrissette noted said it ultimately comes down to who can do the job right.

"In each and every instance, sometimes there are trades that are very specific, so sometimes we do have to bring in outside sources, and to bring them in, it will cost a little more because they have to pay for their gas and employees have to stay, but I think it's really great that we can support a local business because they know the area, they know the structure, they know what it's going to take to take it down."

Michel added that the building is over 100 years old and is not a heritage site.

"That was the first thing we did on a facility meeting many years ago, is that make sure it is not heritage site," he said. "We are knocking it down and hopefully we can salvage some things, but we are salvaging the current floor [concrete pad] which you can use for other functions, which is valuable."

Mayor Roy mentioned during the meeting that there may be individuals who have a sentimental attachment to the building, who may wish to obtain some memorabilia.

"If you get your request in as soon as possible to City Hall and to Andrew [Crowe, Leisure Services Director], if you think that there might be some memorabilia," said Morrissette. "We don't want people going in and out of that building though, just because it is dangerous. So really it should just be city employees doing that, but if you know that there's a specific piece that you're looking for, definitely contact City Hall."