Council approves overtime for Water Street construction

Mark Squibb / June 9, 2023

The Town of Carbonear last week approved additional workdays for the second phase of the Water Street renovation project.

Deputy Mayor Sam Slade explained to council the contractor had requested an additional seven-and-a-half working days due to extra work that needed to be done.

Slade said the Town’s consultant had reviewed the request and given it a ‘Okay-go.’

Adding those extra days will come at a cost, though the additional expense was not specified during the meeting.

The change order is the first change order association with phase two of the project.

Council awarded the construction contract to Black Diamond Construction at a price tag of $1.3 million in February of this year.

The provincial and federal governments have committed $1.17 in funding for construction.

As was announced on April 1 of 2022, the provincial government provided $326,820 in funding, while the federal government ponied up $849,730 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund.

Work was set to begin in 2022, but was delayed due to a specs update which meant the tender didn’t get out in time.

Phase two will see work done along Water Street from Bannerman Street to PF Finn Street and includes enhanced sidewalks, signage, a community space, murals, fixed furniture, landscaping and lighting.