Replacement of the Electronic Signage at Gateway Park

Recommendation:
  1. That the existing electronic signage at Gateway Park be replaced with Cityscape sign (Option 1) as per Attachment 1.
  2. That $53,750.00 plus GST be allocated from the Community Services Department Budget - Composite Sign Program (XX-21-0253) to fund replacement of the sign.
  3. That the replacement of the sign be sole sourced to facilitate the construction of the sign in time (if at all possible) for the 2001 summer tourist season.

Report Summary

The Request For Proposal to solicit bids for a new turnkey, corporately sponsored sign at Gateway Park has been completed. The process did not yield an acceptable bid. The Administration has summarized options to replace the existing signage.

Previous Council/Committee Action

At the January 30, 2001 City Council meeting, the following motions were passed:

  1. “That the Terms of Reference: Request for Proposal to Replace the Electronic Signage at Gateway Park (Attachment 1 of January 3, 2001 Community Services Department report) be approved.
  2. That the City explore the possibility of bids with other quasi-public institutions in Edmonton.”

At the October 17, 2000 meeting of City Council the following motions were passed:

  1. “That City Council direct the Administration and Economic Development Edmonton (EDE) to seek corporate sponsors to develop a new tourist information sign at Gateway Park.
  2. That the Administration report back to City Council by February 28, 2001.
  3. That the Administration bring forward, to the Community Services Committee, the Terms of Reference outlining the nature of this project.”

At the June 20, 2000 City Council meeting, the following motion was passed:

“That the Administration prepare a report for the August 23, 2000 Executive Committee meeting to evaluate and set out options to replace the electronic signage at Gateway Park.”

Subsequently, a time extension for the report was granted.

Report

The Administration and Economic Development Edmonton released a Request For Proposal to solicit bids for a turnkey, corporately sponsored tourist information sign at Gateway Park. Two bids were received. The first bid did not meet the criteria established in the bid process. The second bid satisfied the technical requirements of the bid process, however the overall design of the proposed sign raised concerns. To address these design and aesthetic concerns, the Administration hosted a design workshop with the bidder and four industry design experts who volunteered their time to brainstorm ideas to improve the sign design. The Administration was subsequently advised that the sign could not be redesigned and built in time for the 2001 summer tourist season and that the corporate sponsor had withdrawn their sponsorship of the bid.

The Administration has summarized options to replace the existing Gateway Park sign at south entrance to the city. The following options also provide a breakdown of costs.

Options:

  1. Dismantle the existing sign display including the electronic components and replace it with a custom Cityscape design, halo lit type sign with neon illuminated letters to be installed on the existing brick, steel and concrete base. The cost is estimated to be $53,750.00 plus GST. A custom sponsor ad panel could be located on the brick base for an additional cost of $4,350.00 (see Attachment 1).
  2. Dismantle the existing sign display including the electronic components and replace it with a custom billboard type sign illuminated with fluorescent lamping to be installed on the existing brick, steel and concrete base. The cost is estimated to be $15,000 plus GST. A custom sponsor ad panel could be located on the brick base for an additional cost of $4,350.00 (see Attachment 2).
  3. Dismantle the existing sign display including the electronic components and replace it with a sandblasted cedar cityscape sign identifying Gateway Park. The cost is estimated to be $28,000.00 plus GST (see Attachment 3).
  4. Demolish the exiting sign and restore the surrounding landscape. The cost is estimated to be $6,000.00.

Budget / Financial Implications

Funds are available in the Community Services Department Budget, Composite Sign Program (XX-21-0253).

Justification of Recommendation

  1. Option 1 provides an attractive solution and is consistent with the Gateway Boulevard theme.
  2. Funds are available in the Community Services Department Budget.
  3. Sole sourcing will allow the Administration to proceed immediately with a contract. Although there are no guarantees, current discussions with contractors indicate every effort would be made to complete the sign prior to the 2001 World Championships in Athletics.

Background Information Attached

  1. Option 1 – Cityscape Sign
  2. Option 2 – Billboard Sign
  3. Option 3 – Cedar Cityscape Sign

Others Approving this Report

  • Randy Garvey, General Manager, Corporate Services

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