With a municipal election looming and the timing and funding for the new Aquatic Centre and Curling Club seemingly popping up around every corner, the Town of Cochrane has hired a project manager to take the helm of the multi-million dollar facilities.
The hiring of Tango Management Group is expected to keep the two projects on track for breaking ground in 2015, the town indicated.
Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services, said the decision to bring Tango aboard was not based on cost, but rather experience.
“Tango was chosen because of their extensive experience in project management of recreational facilities,” said Gaida, “especially aquatic centres. They have vast experience and believe this project is attainable for the community and are excited about working with the community to reach their goals.”
Gaida said the aquatic and curling projects were bid on as one project, with the total budget for the project manager being $1 million, and Tango’s costs fell in line with the majority of the proposals the town received. John Bowser, a project and construction management expert with more than four decades of experience, leads Tango. The company, which has offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, has a portfolio that includes institutional and public services facilities, commercial developments, multi and single-family residences, retail and industrial developments.
The first step for Tango in the development of the pool and curling facilities will be to work with the town and Stantec (an engineering, consulting and design firm) to begin the design development for the project.
“We are truly impressed by Tango’s wide experience in pools and other municipal buildings,” said Gaida. “We’re eager to get started with them and see how they can help us build an innovative, exciting facility for Cochrane.”
