It’s been a three-year journey for the City of Trail to begin its revitalization plan, but over-budget bids and cost overruns have forced council to rebalance the city’s cheque book by delaying six other 2013 projects.
The city allotted $1.25 million to the Victoria Street Corridor project, which is currently under construction. However, after receiving only one bid, Nelson’s Maglio Installations was awarded $1.4 million to complete the job.
Earlier this year, trenchless sewer upgrades came in over budget by $100,000. The project, to reline ageing sewer lines in East and West Trail, Sunningdale and Shaver’s Bench, is not complete but it is expected to hit the $580,000 mark by year-end.
The third project, the Oak Street capital project, is over budget by $110,000. This project, which includes road improvements and replacement of sewer, water and storm systems, is scheduled to start in early August and continue through October.
“These three projects were identified as high priority,” said David Perehudoff, Trail’s chief administrative officer. “Due to several factors, it is necessary for them to proceed this year.”
Perehudoff said rather than taking additional money out of internal reserves to fund the difference, the postponed projects represent a $419,000 savings.
With a savings of $250,000, council agreed to defer the Bear Creek well water upgrades. This project has been under consideration for several years and became high priority in 2013 due to a proposed subdivision near Canadian Tire on Highway 3B.
However, the developer’s proposal has stalled so council chose to delay water system improvements pending future development.
Widening the Fifth Avenue sidewalk in Shavers Bench for $65,000 was deferred by council until 2014, after staff recommended the project be phased over several years.
In addition, the Trail Kiwanis’ proposed memorial sundial park, earmarked for the RCMP traffic island, will have to wait another year for it’s $45,000 from the city.
“The Kiwanis park was deferred only after consulting the club and they indicated they are not ready to commence the project,” said Perehudoff.
Also postponed, a $25,000 geotechnical engineering study for a new public works structure to house three service bays; lighting improvements in the public works bus barn, $9,000; and a pigeon control services proposal for $25,000.
The Victoria Street Corridor project broke ground at the end of July and is expected to be complete Oct. 15.