Mountain View County will spend $52,152 on a fibre optic link between the existing county administration building and the new agricultural services building now under construction, the policies and priorities committee heard April 6.
The project will include about 440 metres of trenching, one four-inch telecommunications conduit, and three pre-fab concrete pull boxes within manhole covers.
“A needs assessment was completed for the new shop,” Jeff Holmes, director of legislative services, said in a briefing note to the committee. “Within the assessment and the request for proposal, telecom was specified, however fibre optic connection was not specifically required.
“The county IT department identified two options for connectivity, a fibre optic connection or wireless. A fibre optic connection is preferred due to reliability, performance and long-term viability. Over the past months various options were explored to try and provide a low-cost fibre optic connection.”
The cost of the fibre optic installation will be within the approved overall maximum budget of $2.310 million for the ag building project.
Deputy Reeve Patricia McKean said the project is on budget and on time.
In his monthly report to the committee, Holmes gave an update on the project.
“Windows and doors are installed, the interior structural framing, decking and concrete reinforcement and concrete floor pour are complete,” he said. “The interior electrical is near completion. Drywall almost completed upstairs.
“Cladding will be completed within a week or two. Fencing is started. Regular inspections completed for mechanical, electrical. Flooring and wall colours have been picked and investigating design options for signage for the building (is underway).”
The two-storey shop will be about 7,000 square feet in size and will be used to house and service agricultural service board equipment, lands and parks department equipment, pesticide and parts, and will also include working spaces, washroom facilities, and a shower and locker room.
As well it will have a lunchroom, meeting room, two office spaces and second washroom on the mezzanine level.
Work on the shop site began in September and is expected to be completed this spring.
