Firms from anywhere in the world will have a chance to bid to become the developer for the controversial pedestrian bridge to be built next year.
Dave Danchuk, communications strategist for Transportation Infrastructure, said the city won’t play favourites based on geographical location.
“We are looking for the best quality and price we can provide,” said Danchuk, adding firms can pre-qualify this week.
The recently named Peace Bridge, slated for west of Prince’s Island Park, was not contracted out to local designers, but designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, which upset Ward 10 Ald. Andre Chabot.
However, Chabot, who has always opposed the bridge, is pleased the construction process has been opened to the public, unlike the architectural process.
“As long as the construction is open to public tender, it should alleviate some of the concerns of the general public,” he said.
Chabot said the city should come in under the $18-million budget for the bridge to ease financial concerns. The total project will cost $24.5 million.
Even though international firms can bid, Chabot said he believes the bridge will be awarded to one from Calgary because of the economy and the fact that the city is booming.
