Photo: Vernon Recreation Services.

A $13-million arena project next to Kal Tire Place has been awarded to Vernon-based MQN Architects, a firm part-owned by Coun. Brian Quiring.

Work is expected to begin immediately.

MQN will “provide prime consulting services for the design and development management of the second arena,” stated a City of Vernon press release.

It goes on to say city staff followed an exhaustive process to ensure architectural firms submitting bids would have significant experience designing arenas.

Four bids were received, according to Doug Ross, director of recreation services. They were evaluated on a point system.

“As the original designer of Kal Tire Place and the author of the feasibility study, MQN demonstrated a clear understanding of the project and what was required as the deliverables as listed in the RFP,” said Ross. “MQN also clearly identified the need to design a building that can be built for the fixed budget price of $13 million and emphasized the role of cost control at each step of the design/build process to ensure that the project will stay on budget.”

Quiring has removed himself during council discussions on the twinning of the facility in case of a conflict or perceived conflict of interest in the project.

A new round of consultations will begin with the facility’s user groups, stakeholders and members of the public.

The first stage of work will include geotechnical testing, environmental impact study, stakeholder consultation, initial design work and a traffic demand study.

The target for opening the new facility is the fall of 2018.

The new ice sheet is expected to replace the aging Civic arena.