Town’s 52nd Street bulb-outs project delayed

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By Kenyon Stronski
Taber Times
reporter@tabertimes.com

Gary Scherer, director of Engineering and Public Works stepped forward, being the first to present at the Oct. 11 regular meeting of Taber town council. The bulb-outs of 52nd Street and 45th Avenue were of concern, with the project coming in over budget and possibly not seeing completion until next spring.

“Not exactly the outcome we’re hoping for — the project came in over-budget and there again, we’re tendering in primetime construction season, so we’re going to pay a premium for that. We have a few things for council’s consideration — do you want to move forward with the project or don’t you?” asked Scherer.

It was recommended that council reject the bids until next January when the project could hopefully move forward. Scherer also mentioned another problem with grant funding.

“There’s an issue with that, however, as we still haven’t received our six-month extension from the Canada Community Resiliency Fund, so we’re hoping that council can help with that process because they’re not answering us. We’d like to go the political route and get council on board to help with that if you’re considering moving forward with the project. I’m pretty sure the contractor is going to ask for a six-month extension, he’s not going to finish this year.”

Voicing discontent over the delay, Coun. Jack Brewin admitted he was distraught when reading that the bulb-outs were to be cancelled, yet acknowledges the money could be directed and used elsewhere in the project’s stead.

“I’ll happily make the motion that council rejects all bids for the 52nd Street on 48th Avenue bulb-out project due to budget constraints and direct administration to re-tender this project at a future date.”

When the project was initially brought up, it was identified that piping underneath the concrete and asphalt would need some additional updates with Scherer saying they were probably cast iron and clay tile. Coun. Alf Rudd asked if it would be alright for the piping to wait a while longer.

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