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Drainage and sidewalk work approved

Although numerous capital projects have been identified as priorities for the municipality, only two are on the schedule for this year.

Although numerous capital projects have been identified as priorities for the municipality, only two are on the schedule for this year.

A sidewalk upgrade on Henry Avenue has already been completed. The cost of this was $14,000.

This work was completed because of urgent safety concerns.

The second project for this year is a $45,000 drainage improvement on Fulton Street.

The remaining $91,000 will be carried over to 2014.

Other areas identified for improvements include Garnett Valley Road drainage improvements, work on Prairie Valley Road, a sidewalk on Jubilee Road West, work on Bathville Road and drainage improvements on Newton Road, Bristow Road and Jewell Place.

During the budget deliberations for 2013, council approved $150,000 for sidewalks, drainage and paving upgrades.

“Although $150,000 is a significant amount of money, it does not go very far when the money is being used for infrastructure improvements,” said Don Darling, director of works and utilities for the municipality.

Several of the individual items far exceeded the total amount set aside for the upgrades.

“When it comes to infrastructure, the costs are extensive,” said municipal administrator Tom Day.

He added that for next year, the municipality will have more substantial funding in place for improvements in 2014.

Gas tax revenue money may be used for these improvements.

While problems along Garnett Valley Road have been identified in the past, council chose to delay this work at present.

The proposed work had been for intermittent patching, at an estimated cost of $63,606.50.

“I personally think it’s ridiculous to pour money onto the road and rip it up again,” said Coun. Martin Van Alphen.

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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