Connect Charter School is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to provide comprehensive project management services for the design and construction of a new indoor teaching space at our outdoor education camp located on Sibbald Lake, off Highway 68, in the Kananaskis Improvement District of Alberta. The camp sits on 64 acres of Crown Land and is off-grid, running on a generator. The successful proponent will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of the project, from conceptual design to construction completion.
SECTION 2. Project Overview The project involves the construction of a remote, off-grid lodge facility capable of accommodating group meetings and gatherings of up to 60 individuals* with storage space. The building will be approximately 3,000sq feet*, excluding exterior covered front and side deck. The space will primarily serve students and staff participating in outdoor education programs. The majority of the lodge will be open concept to allow for flexible programming and shared use. There will be 2 bathrooms installed. Wiring and preparation for a kitchen stove and oven (and hood) will be installed (the stove and oven will not be purchased or installed). A sink will be installed. Water, power and sewer will be hooked up to the main systems approximately 120 feet away (all underground). The camp runs on a generator and therefore limiting additional power needed for this lodge is a priority. A back-up generator will be purchased and installed in the lodge, with backup fuel storage. Daily or weekly contact with the on-site camp manager is expected. Ideally this project will be complete by December 19, 2025.
Key challenges include the site’s remoteness, seasonal accessibility, off-grid infrastructure requirements (heating system will be run on propane), and compliance with Alberta permitting and regulatory processes. The building roof will be the same material and colour as recently installed metal roofs on site. Building permits must be approved by the Kananaskis Improvement District and Government of Alberta (landowner). The lodge design will reflect a camp-feeling. There will be students on site during construction. This project must adhere to the Alberta Infrastructure Technical Design Requirements, included as Appendix ‘A’. *The scope and size of the lodge may increase up to fit 100 people (4,500 sq feet), pending funding. Final decisions on the size of the building will be made by July 30, 2025.
SECTION 3. Scope of Work
The selected consultant will be responsible for:
3.1. Leading and overseeing all aspects of the project.
3.2. Hiring/providing and managing all necessary professionals and contractors, including architects, engineers, builders, and inspectors.
3.3. Providing complete architectural and engineering drawings, including site plans.
3.4. Creation of project cost breakdown for Alberta Infrastructure (Form 14 – see link: https://www.alberta.ca/planning-and-building-schools#jumplinks-2).
3.5. Creation of construction tender package - to be pre-approved by Alberta Infrastructure.
3.6. Ensuring all permitting requirements are met within the Kananaskis Improvement District, including environmental, safety, and building permits.
3.7. Writing and managing all tender documents for construction in accordance with Alberta government procurement regulations, with final approval from Alberta Infrastructure.
3.8. Supervising construction and ensuring project milestones, timelines, and deliverables are met.
SECTION 4. Qualifications
Successful proponents will demonstrate:
4.1. Experience in managing remote, off-grid construction projects in Alberta.
4.2. A thorough understanding of applicable provincial regulations (Department of Infrastructure, AB), permitting processes.
4.3. Capacity to manage multi-disciplinary teams and subcontractors.
4.4. Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
4.5. Experience working in the Kananaskis Region or similar geographic areas will be considered an asset.
4.6. Experience building schools/classrooms in Alberta will be considered an asset.
SECTION 5. Budget The project is being financially managed with a clear ceiling; however, the exact budget will be discussed with shortlisted candidates after June 19, 2025.
Submit the following costs with appropriate details: Project Management Creation of architectural and engineering drawings, including site plans Creation of project cost breakdown Creation of construction tender package
Information/Pre-bid Meeting
Tue•Jun 10, 2025•8:30 am (MT)