DIDSBURY - Council has approved three infrastructure projects totalling $515,975, including stormwater and surface upgrades near the Didsbury Memorial Complex.
The approvals came during a recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and on YouTube.
“The 21st Avenue (Memorial Complex road) has ineffective drainage,” said the town's chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner. “The project will improve the drainage conditions (and) was approved in early 2022. Unfortunately delays during the 2022 construction season resulted in the project being tabled until 2023.
“The project budget was approved at $300,000, of which approximately $30,000 has been allocated for engineering design and construction administration, leaving the budget available of $270,000 for construction.”
The second project involves asphalt and overlay wok on 20th Street.
“In the spring of 2023, council approved $300,000 to mill and overlay 20th Street from 20th Avenue to approximately 17th Ave. Approximately $7,500 of engineering construction administration is anticipating for this scope of work, leaving the budget available of $292,500 for construction.”
The third project involves pedestrian connectivity at Memorial Complex.
“In 2022 council approved Memorial Park pedestrian crossing improvements at Highway 582 and 16th Street. The project was to install pedestrian crossing signals and improve drainage issues. Crossing signals were installed shortly after, but the asphalt and concrete work remain outstanding.
“Approved budget was $74,000 of which approximately $13,000 has already been invested. Approximately $5,500 of engineering construction administration is anticipating for this project leaving budget available of $55,000.”
Council awarded the project to RubyRock Asphalt Works in the amount of $515,075, and amended the capital budget for the 21st Ave. storm and surface works project to increase it by $24,000 for a project total of $324,000.
The project will be funded through the Canada Community-Building Fund and Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant programs.
