Paradise beefs up snowclearing fleet

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 17, 2023 Edition

The Town of Paradise is adding to its arsenal of snow-clearing machines.

The public works department is budgeted to buy a front end loader with snow clearing attachments for the upcoming winter season.

“To continue to clear roadways within the Town of Paradise boundaries in a timely manner with the purchase of an additional front-end-loader is essential,” said Councillor Patrick Martin.

The town received five bids to supply the vehicle but only four were compliant with the specifications of the tender. Madison Construction won the contract with a bid of $392,600.

Councillor Larry Vaters reflected on the Town’s prioritization of snow-clearing, and of the numerous uses a front-end-loader can be put to during the winter months.

“This is really a part of the commitment to providing snow-clearing to the town,” Vaters said.

In addition to the heavy-duty vehicle, the Town will see another sidewalk snowblower attachment rolling down its streets. The purchase comes in response to the aged status of one of its current units, which Martin said is at the end of its life. It will come courtesy of Saunders Equipment for $26,400, HST included. It was not budgeted for 2023, but Martin said there are sufficient funds in the transportation budget.

Unrelated to snow but also used in the winter months, the Town has also acquired a trailer mounted portable asphalt recycling machine. It will be used for asphalt repairs using recycled asphalt during the winter months. The existing unit is nearing the end of its life, and the purchase of the new unit was budgeted for 2023. Supplied by Saunders Equipment, which submitted the only qualifying bid, it will cost Paradise some $151,450 plus HST, which is just over the initial budget of $150,000 plus HST. Martin assured council there are enough funds in the coffers to cover the cost.