Costing methodology and approach: Centre Block project due diligence report: Cost report

This cost estimate has been developed based upon schematic design drawings at 90% completion, produced by lead Designer Centrus, the Prime Consultant Joint Venture, who are providing architectural and engineering services for the Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre program. The 90% schematic design documents included schematic design drawing sets for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, sustainability, accessibility, connectivity, heritage intervention plans, and parliamentary fit-up requirements.

Turner & Townsend has also integrated the revised concept entry sequence from the Parliament Welcome Centre to the Centre Block Courtyard endorsed by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Independent Design Review Panel, composed of leading Canadian Architects and design professionals.

In addition to Turner & Townsend’s work to establish the cost estimate, the Construction Manager PCL/EllisDon has also conducted independent cost estimates of the 90% schematic design documents, including the measurement of quantities from drawings. For several key heritage areas, allowances have been included within the estimate based on benchmarking information using other buildings within the precinct as a basis. Of note, the design contingency for the Centre Block will be leveraged to fund typical cost increases related to the evolution of the scope including heritage elements, while the construction contingency will address impacts such as the coordination of unknown site conditions.

Once this second independent estimating effort was completed, a side by side comparison of the Construction Manager and Turner & Townsend estimates was conducted. Where there were discrepancies in the data, digital measurement exercises were completed to show any differences in areas and lengths measured and the resulting cost variances. Rates were validated via quotes from trade contractors along with cost data from other projects. Following the comprehensive estimate reconciliation process with the Construction Manager (CM), Turner & Townsend’s estimate for net trade cost (before general requirements, CM fees, contingencies etc.) was within 3% of the CM’s estimate. This small percentage variance is well within the anticipated range, and is exceptional at this level of design completion for such a complex program of work.

To complete the process, an independent internal Quality Assurance and Quality Control review was conducted by senior costing experts and authorities within Turner & Townsend.