The original estimate was reflective of data as obtained by CHC’s Administration which were based upon concept drawings for a 90 unit, 6 storey building extrapolated to service up to a 150 unit, 10 storey development. Original construction estimates were completed using a cost of $215/sq. ft. based upon the 2018 Altus cost guide for a buildings up to 12 storeys. For the Windsor area, the 2018 costs ranged from $189 to $246 per sq. ft. According to the 2020 Altus Cost guide, there has been an increase in costs ranging from 16 – 23%. For the Windsor area, the cost range is between $220 to $303 per sq. ft. Due to submission deadlines imposed at both the Federal and Provincial level, it was critical that CHC received the necessary approvals from City Council which were based upon the preliminary cost estimates. These preliminary cost estimates were then provided to each of the funding partners for purposes of securing a placeholder for this project within both the Federal and Provincial review process.
As indicated in the background section, the level to which Federal funding envelopes could be accessed was dependant upon the projects ability to align with established parameters. To maximize the scoring, the design features of Meadowbrook were adjusted as follows:
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Community inclusion through the partnership with agencies that deliver direct support services to tenants by Community Living Windsor, Hiatus House and Family Services Windsor Essex
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A minimum of 30% of the units must be at CMHC’s median market rent (MMR) to ensure ongoing affordability for residents
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Accessible features to support persons with disabilities, aging in place and a wide range of accessibility needs
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Energy Efficient – project model based upon a passive house standard that exceed program requirements
CHC has since reviewed the number of units and have adjusted the plan which will now support 145 new affordable housing units in the community. In addition, five units previously identified as market units will be converted to dedicated supportive units for youth. Overall, the building plan has increased in total sq. footage.
Following the approval of the project, a Class A cost estimate was completed by BTY Group, a quantity surveyor on behalf of CHC. In August 2019, CHC awarded Amico Corporation (Amico) the role of Construction Manager. Amico has since prepared their own independent cost estimate utilizing historical data and accounting for current market conditions. This was done in order to confirm and validate the Class A estimate prior to the tendering of the contract. Both the Class A and Amico’s cost estimates exceeded what was originally reported to Council.
Additional information with regards to the project budget has been provided in a confidential memo.
Funding Requirements
As reported to City Council, (Report C19/2019) funding for the original estimated project cost of $38.7 million was identified to come from various sources including a $12 million