The Government of Yukon releases tender for Dawson City Recreation Centre using new procurement method

The Dawson City Recreation Centre project is advancing to design and construction tender using a new procurement method.

The replacement of the Dawson Recreation Centre is an important priority for the City of Dawson and the Government of Yukon. The facility will provide Dawsonites with a modern gathering place that supports recreational activities.

As the project enters the design and construction tender stage, it brings the community one step closer to realizing a contemporary hub that fosters physical activity, social connections and enhances overall wellbeing.

The project will use a progressive design-build procurement that supports companies collaborating with proponents from the start of a project. It helps ensure what gets built fits within the established budget. The progressive design-build approach also allows for the contractors’ expertise to be included in the design and promotes faster timelines and more communication between contractor and owners.

We’ve heard from contractors about the importance of utilizing their knowledge and skills during the design process so that projects are suitable for the local conditions and meet the owners’ expectations. The complexity of the project requires new tools, and we are pleased to be using a procurement approach that will help Dawson City residents get a recreation facility that will support healthy, active lifestyles.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

Across the territory, new infrastructure projects that can improve the lives of citizens are being put in jeopardy due to rising construction and operational costs. The City of Dawson welcomes the use of a progressive design-build procurement method for new infrastructure and is hopeful this model will deliver much needed infrastructure in an efficient and affordable way for the Canadian, territorial and municipal taxpayer.

Mayor of Dawson City Bill Kendrick

Quick facts 
  • The Government of Yukon is utilizing a new, innovative procurement method for the Dawson City Recreation Centre.

  • Use of the progressive design-build procurement method represents the first time this method will be used by the Government of Yukon and only a few times has it been used in the territory but not to this magnitude. 

  • The design-bid-build method – when construction companies bid on a completed project design – is traditionally employed in the territory.

Media contact 

 Laura Seeley
 Cabinet Communications
 867-332-7627
 laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Taylor Harvey
Community Services
867-332-1237
taylor.harvey@yukon.ca

News release #: 
24-172