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CBS looking for new depot site as library nears completion

By Craig Westcott/September 30, 2022

Progressive Engineering Consultants have been hired to conduct a preliminary site investigation and develop a plan for a new Public Works depot for the Town of CBS.

“It is imperative that our Public Works are able to maintain services as the town grows and evolves,” said Ward 3 councillor Gerard Tilley, who chairs the Town’s engineering and public works committee. “The Town’s current Public Works depot is over 40 years old and in addition we currently utilize several other spaces throughout the town to ensure adequate labour and materials are available. We have undertaken preliminary reviews of potential sites and will continue with preliminary work until a site is selected. We are unable to confirm at this time details of site locations this early in the process due to legal processes and applications.”

The Town is paying Progressive Engineering $15,000 for the work.

In other public works news, Xylem has been contracted to make repairs to the pump at the Chaytors Road lift station.

The contract is worth some $22,626.

“This is just part of the regular maintenance we have with our lift stations throughout the town,” Tilley said.

SMS Equipment, meanwhile, will be paid some $57,816 to make repairs to a Komatsu Loader. For the younger set who like watching heavy equipment at work, a Komatsu Loader is a very large tractor with a huge scoop in front capable of lifting giant-sized loads of gravel, snow, debris or anything else needing to be lifted and dumped.

In other news, the new CBS Library is in the final stages of completion when it comes to interior finishes and landscaping, Tilley reported.

“Of course, the announcement of a public opening will be coordinated with the local and Provincial Libraries boards later on in the year,” he added.

And finally, members of the public works committee have begun debate on the locations to be included in next year’s sidewalk construction program.

It’s part of the department’s overall budget planning for next year. The committee is hoping to come up with a list by late fall and find cost-shared funding programs with other levels of government to help pay for the work.

“The committee has been actively engaged with early budget preparation for 2023,” Tilley said. “The challenges for next year’s engineering and public works operations include the escalation of the cost of materials and fuel that is required annually to maintain services.” 

Tilley said it will take creativity, “reprofiling” of funds, and “some difficult decisions” to iron it all out.

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