Gap Filler Detail

1961 – National Archives of Canada


10-36-80/5 (DCEP)

MEMORANDUM

12 May 61

DRDP

Background of Construction Costs
Gap Filler Radar Stations

In reply to your verbal request, the following background of construciton costs is forwarded for your assistance in briefing the CAS.

GAP FILLERS

Background of Construction Costs

Original Estimate

Based on averages arrived at in discussion with USAF personnel in 1958, the figure used was $250,000.00 per site, or for 45 sites - $11,250,000.00

This figure was to include property costs, consultants fees, construction costs and construction materials (such as Steelox Buildings) from RCAF stocks.

On the basis of the original 45 "Pillow" sites (with few minor adjustment) the engineering consultants were engaged and development work commenced in 1959. Engineering data sufficient to support a TB submission for 38 of the 45 sites was completed, and TB approval obtained. At which time a change in siting criteria necessitated the re-location of 23 of the 45 sites. Only 22 of the original 38 TB approved sites remained in their original location. When the consultants were stopped at the discarded sites, a sum of approximately $62,000.00 had been spent.

Current Estimate of Costs

Property Costs

Preliminary estimate only -
Site - $69,000.00
Access Road - $96,000.00

Consultant Fees

18 Discarded Sites - $62,000.00
45 Present Sites - $450,000.00

Construction Costs

22 Approved Sites - Engineering estimate - $4,544,000.00

23 Sites on which no preliminary engineering has been completed - Tentative estimate - $5,831,000.00

Steelox Buildings (RCAF Stock)

2 buildings @ 45 sites @ $7,000.00 included in above figures - ($315,000.00)

Total Current Estimate - $11,052,000.00

This is $198,000.00 below original estimate of $11,250,000.00

Temporary Manning Costs
of
Providing Accommodation

30 Sites require trailer and services: comprising

  1. Trailer - 45,500.00
    Site - 1,000.00
    Water - 1,500.00
    Sewer - 1,000.00
    Power - 500.00
    Add'l Roads/Walks - 500.00
    Total - $300,000.00

  2. Garage 27 sites @ $1,000.00 - 27,000.00

Total Revised Estimate - $11,379,000.00

With this additional work, the overall total will be $129,000.00 above the original estimate of $11,250,000.00.

The following additional information is supplied in connection with the purchase of tracked vehicles in lieu of snowploughing the access roads in Northern Ontario and Quebec:

Based on Dept of Highway 1960-61 figures, the cost of labour and equipment rental for snowploughing a secondary highway is $455.00 per mile. As the average length of an access road for the 27 sites involved is 13 miles, the average yearly cost would be $5,915.00 per site.

(JW Griffith) G/C
DCEP
2-5777