Paradise sees more price hikes for supplies

By Mark Squibb / July 14, 2023

Paradise council last week approved the purchase and delivery of the granular material used by staff to repair roads, culverts, and trailways.

Councillor Patrick Martin explained to council that staff recently tendered the supply of materials for the 2023 season, and that three local companies bid on the contract.

Weir’s Construction Ltd. came in at $237,613; Modern Paving Ltd. at $286,945; and Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. at $307,337. All prices are inclusive of HST.

The prices were based on a year’s worth supply of material.

Martin brought forward the recommendation from the Public Works committee that council approve the lowest bidder, Weir’s Construction.

Councillor Glen Carew asked Martin whether staff are still seeing significant price increases year-over-year for materials.

Martin confirmed that indeed was the case. This particular contract, he noted, has increased 24 percent in price since 2021.

“We are still seeing significant increases in everything,” said Martin. “And things are not going to change for a while.”

He added the Town has the option to extend the contract by a year to lock in prices, which is something the committee will explore.

The motion to buy the stone was approved unanimously.