Minto council has approved spending $540,000 to complete the first two of four phases in a planned reconstruction of the north end of Elora Street (Highway 9) here.
The cost of the first two phases is expected to be $540,000.
Staff recommended against proceeding with phase two and three of the project, as the town would have to borrow to cover the approximately $390,000 cost to complete the additional work this year.
The province committed about $240,000 to the project in 2011 and the town still has those funds available.
CAO Bill White also pointed out the reconstruction of the road near the Adelaide Street intersection should wait until developers of the Schickedanz subdivision are ready to proceed.
“Where you get the money to do that will depend on what their contribution is to the project, which we believe should be substantial – some $500,000 minimum,” said White.
Mayor George Bridge agreed the town should wait until the developer is ready to contribute before proceeding with the later stages of the project.
“We do (phase) three and four now, we’re going to have to rip up a whole bunch for Schickedanz,” Bridge pointed out.
However, public works director Brian Hansen cautioned that splitting up the project means the town is facing several consecutive years of construction on its main artery.
“If we leave sections three and four out this year, and we do it next year depending on budget, then in 2015 you’re doing your downtown and getting prepared for your plowing match too. Everything’s sort of melding together here,” Hansen pointed out.
Councillor Dave Turton said, “I think that’s the biggest single issue. Okay, we’re going to tear up the street and we’re going to do the same thing again next year. I really believe we’re asking a lot of our people coming through town.”
Council agreed to receive Hansen’s report and award phase one and two of the reconstruction project to Steed and Evans Ltd., the lowest bidder on the project at $540,907 including HST.
