City of Powell River councillors were provided an update on a city project to deliver a water main to the resource-recovery centre being constructed above Willingdon Beach.
At the April 18 city council meeting, city director of infrastructure Tor Birtig said he was providing a status update on the project to provide water to the centre.
“This water main went from Alberni Street along Marine Avenue to the nearly completed resource-recovery centre,” said Birtig.
He said that in August of 2021, council approved funding of $963,022 from the water capital reserve for this water main upgrade so firefighting abilities could be provided at the centre. He said the design was completed by the city’s engineering staff, which went forward to get the necessary permits for construction.
According to Birtig, the city had to go through Vancouver Coastal Health and the provincial ministry of transportation and infrastructure because the project was along the highway. Archaeological permits were also required.
The invitation to tender was posted in August 2023, closing at the end of September. Two bids were received. One bid from Drake Excavating came in a $1.5 million and the winning bid came from Leighton Contracting for $949,955, which is under budget, according to Birtig.
“Both bids were compliant, but because Leighton was the lowest bidder, we awarded the contract to Leighton,” said Birtig. “Unfortunately, the asphalt contractor was not able to provide hot mix in order to complete the job, according to ministry of transportation standards, so the project was postponed until the spring of this year. The water main has been installed and there is water provided to resource-recovery centre.
“The hydrants have all been installed, tested and verified for the ministry of health. What is remaining on the job is some boulevard restoration. After three months, they will repave the southbound lane, so it will not be finished in the same manner as what you see today.”
Birtig said he was providing a status update so the mayor and chief administrative officer (CAO) can sign the contract awarded to Leighton.
Councillor George Doubt said he was worried that the roadwork was finished so he was glad to hear the pavement would be upgraded. Birtig said it will be much better than what is currently in place.
Councillor Cindy Elliott asked if the project was on budget. Birtig said it was and that the city had not received any change orders.
Doubt made a motion that council authorize the CAO and the mayor to sign the water main construction contract. Council carried the motion unanimously.
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