Bundling Saskatchewan schools into bulk builds is being touted as a way to save money, however reports from the design and construction industry cast doubt on the idea. “Contrary to the views of proponents, the assertion that bundling of projects into one large contract increases competition is flawed,” according to a report prepared for the Vancouver Construction Industry Association.

Research prepared for the Construction Design Alliance of Ontario reached similar conclusions. “Simply put, bundling the station and maintenance facility construction into one contract has hamstrung the tendering process, limited competition, stifled innovation, and isolated the small- and medium-sized construction and design firms,” says Construction Design Alliance of Ontario chair Clive Thurston. “This procedure will cost taxpayers more in the end. It is a case where bigger is not always better.”

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