I had heard that they were just beginning Pre qualifications for the Arena this week with sub contractors. But thay may have been delayed. Pre-quals, are essentially assessing that the people bidding on the job are who they say they are and can provide proof of executing past projects. Once they go through that they might have a budget price phase, whittle it down, than invite for tender. Not sure if the same General for the BMO is the General for the Arena...but I would guess it is. Challenging group of people they are.
Last I heard on Monday, Steel Mills expect pricing to remain at current levels for the balance of this year and if they order isn't in by July 1st, you won't get your steel this calendar year. Recently on these types of Projects they have been excluding the use of Steel produced in China. Based around an issue that caused a few Bridges in Alberta to require major repairs and a lot of failed welds. Typically it stipulates North American Mills although many will accept steel from Japan, EU, or Korea.
This project is big enough that offshore guys in China would be interested in it, and they likely would originally come in 30% cheaper than locals, but with hidden costs that eventually result in a 10% savings.
Most people on this forum would rather see a company based out of China get the work than one based out of Edmonton I suspect.
