PCL Construction has a huge stake in downtown Sudbury’s redevelopment, with the company hired to manage both the Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square and event centre projects.
The company was named the Cultural Hub’s construction manager in June, and a media release announced the company as the winning event centre bidder on Monday.
“We are pleased to be working with PCL, whose proven expertise and strong track record in delivering high-quality public infrastructure make them a valuable partner in realizing our vision for a vibrant, connected downtown,” city Strategic Projects lead Tony Cecutti said in a media release.
“We look forward to working collaboratively to deliver Greater Sudbury’s new, modern and dynamic Event Centre.”
PCL was one of six companies which prequalified to manage the event centre build, joining Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd., Ball Construction Ltd., EBC Inc., EllisDon Corporation and SKYGRiD Construction Inc., all based in Ontario.
PCL Construction was founded in Saskatchewan as EE Poole General Contractor in 1906 and has expanded throughout North America ever since, plus offices in Australia and the Caribbean. They maintain a Sudbury office at 598 Falconbridge Road.
"PCL is proud to work alongside the City of Greater Sudbury to bring their vision for the new Event Centre to life," PCL Construction area manager John Schmalz said in the city’s media release.
"As a team with deep local roots, we are honoured to support the city's efforts in revitalizing this integral civic landmark that will serve as a cornerstone for the continued growth of Sudbury's downtown core, providing a vibrant hub for sports, culture and connection. Together, we look forward to shaping a legacy that reflects the pride and spirit of the people who call this city home and build a better future for the community."
The city’s media release notes that PCL has assembled a dedicated team for the event centre project and will oversee all aspects of its construction while the city retains final decision-making authority throughout, “ensuring alignment with community priorities, municipal standards and guidelines.”
The event centre project is a $200-million ($225-million including land and money spent on the since-cancelled Kingsway Entertainment District precursor project) new arena slated to replace the Sudbury Community Arena downtown.
“The event centre will be designed as a state-of-the-art venue for concerts, sporting events, community gatherings and other unforgettable experiences,” the city’s media release notes.
The city is marking the official start of construction on Tuesday morning during an event which will feature the unveiling of architectural renderings. An event centre update will be provided during the evening’s city council meeting. Sudbury.com will be attending both the unveiling event and city council meeting, with reports on both to be published Tuesday.
Tuesday night’s meeting can be viewed in-person in council chambers at Tom Davies Square beginning at 6 p.m. or livestreamed by clicking here.
The $65-million Cultural Hub at Tom Davies Square is a library/art gallery and municipal services project which will see most municipal offices shift from 200 Brady St. to the upper floors of 199 Larch St. to make way for a new central library and other community groups in the building currently known as city hall (Tom Davies Square). An art gallery will eat up the bottom four storeys of 199 Larch St., which is north of and adjoins 200 Brady St.