Guelph-Eramosa has deferred the reconstruction of Bedford Road.
On June 11 council heard tenders for the project came in about $200,000 above the $1.07-million budget.
“The budget estimate was completed before detailed design on the road, as well as a site walk with the residents,” said public works director Harry Niemi.
The project, reconstructing 660m of Bedford Road from Highway 6 to the road’s dead end, included drainage improvements, storm sewers, curbs and water main extension and looping.
Niemi said the high tenders were largely the result of water main connections.
“When we walked it with all the residents – I think every single resident came out to walk the road … – almost all of them said they either wanted to hook up to the water or they at least wanted to have the option to hook up in case their well ever screwed up or whatever,” said councillor Corey Woods.
“You’re going to put some fire hydrants in there and stuff, it’ll just make it all around safer for the community as far as fire suppression and stuff like that.”
Niemi said the issue is water main extension is user pay.
“There isn’t enough in the … reserves to fund that,” Niemi said.
“It would have an impact on future users probably in the next rate study to replenish those reserve funds, likely increasing water rates.”
While just the water main portion of the project could be cancelled, Niemi said it would be an “opportunity lost.”
“Overall there is a desire from a public health and safety perspective, fire protection (perspective) and allowing for municipal water in an area that’s on private wells with a lot of septics,” Niemi said.
Mayor Chris White agreed, saying, “I’m a big believer if you’re building something build it or don’t bother.
“So, if you’re going to open those roads up, let’s put the pipes in because we wouldn’t be here in a different circumstance and you always regret that in my opinion. It’s cheaper, it’s better and maybe make this more viable for the grant.”
Niemi suggested postponing the reconstruction until next year and applying for an Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) top-up to pay for the project.
“We have more funding available that we could get,” Niemi said.
“A larger percentage in this would free up other road reserves and essentially not impact the water users as well.
“A portion would pay for the water component and then a large portion would pay for the road component, thus saving the gas tax that was earmarked for this year (and) could immediately be put … towards the culvert on Road 3 next year.”
The township applied for an OCIF top-up for the culvert construction on Township Road 3 this year but was unsuccessful.
Niemi said staff would submit an OCIF application this year, and be ready to send out tenders as early as possible next year so the township is in early consideration for contractors for 2019.
“I think what makes this different from just a road project that you’re delaying … (is) the water … different type of funding, need the reserves for that because it comes out of user pay. It’s not like you can move gas tax around for the water piece of it,” White said. “I think it seems reasonable to me.”
Councillor Louise Marshall asked how the new provincial government could impact the funding.
“What’s on the tracks is probably good for six months unless they just say ‘we’re not spending any money’ and slam the door shut,” White said. “I don’t get that impression.
“We just have to deal with what we have in front of us.”
The reconstruction was deferred until next year but Niemi said a retaining wall would be built at the dead end to set up a large turnaround area. He said the public works department would also negotiate for more easement space for a storm sewer.
