Modern Paving wins Paradise street work
By Mark Squibb
The Town of Paradise this week approved $1.7 million worth of road work in the community and is asking the federal government to cover the lion’s share of that cost.
Town staff had issued a tender call for the 2023 Street Rehab and Maintenance Program, which closed May 26, and the Town received three bids; Modern Paving at $1.7 million, Weirs Construction at $1.9 million, and Farrell’s Excavating at $2.1 million, all inclusive of HST.
Councillor Deborah Quilty moved to award the contract to Modern Paving, the lowest bidder, and the motion passed unanimously.
Councillor Patrick Martin allowed it was a lot of money, but said it was well worth it as the Town is in desperate need of some road work on certain streets.
“I know up along Topsail Pond Road there’s some dire need for street repairs, and that’s going to be included in this project, and there’s a lot of other streets that will avail of some much-needed repairs,” said Martin. “I’m looking forward to this getting started.”
The Street Rehab Program is divided into two phases, Part A and Part B. The Town had budgeted $1.3 million for Part A, which includes road renewal and rehabilitation, and $400,000 for Part B, which includes general maintenance.
During that same meeting, council approved a motion to apply to the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) to help pay for the work. The Town had previously secured $350,000 from the CCBF for Part A, and Quilty said there is an additional $1.4 million to draw from.
“To secure the remaining funding required for the 2023 Street Rehab and Renewal Program, the Town must submit an application,” explained Quilty.
The Town moved to apply for the remainder of the necessary funding for Part A of the program — some $980,000.
That motion also passed unanimously.
Streets included in the 2023 Street Rehab program were approved by council back in April, and include Gentler Place, Ballyshannon Street, Gregg Avenue, Stephanie Avenue, Gail Place, Kinder Drive, Bernard Drive, Newdale Drive and installation of new sidewalk infill on Topsail Road, between Trails End and Carlisle Drive and on Paradise Road between Mallow Drive and the intersection of Paradise Road and Topsail Road.