Carbonear approves fifth change order for Water Street work

Mark Squibb
September 22, 2023 Edition

Carbonear council last week approved a change order for Phase II Part B of the Water Street renovation project in the amount of $10,899 for Black Diamond Construction Ltd., “for actual material quantities.”

Councillor Danielle Doyle asked for clarification on the use of the phrase ‘actual quantities,’ and wondered whether the wrong amount had been ordered.

Public Works Director Ian Farrell explained that the quantity required for the work was more than was estimated during the tender process.

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

The streetlights and electrical component was tendered along with the water, sewer and street upgrades and paving as both involved underground work, but it is considered Part B of the project.

Previous change orders have included $201,621 for removal of contaminated soil and an unspecified amount for seven-and-a-half additional working days.

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

Work was supposed to begin in 2022 but was delayed due to an update needed in the specifications, which meant the tender didn’t get out in time.

Phase II 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. Council issued a tender call in July which was for the landscaping and sidewalks portion of the upgrades.