Carbonear awards second round of Adelaide Street upgrades

By Mark Squibb

Carbonear council during last week’s public meeting awarded a contract for another round of water and sewer upgrades to Adelaide Street but had to pare down the project to bring it within budget.

Deputy Mayor Sam Slade moved that council award the construction contract for Phase 2 to Cougar Engineering and Construction for $1.5 million, including HST, at the recommendation of engineering consultant Meridian Engineering Inc.

Phase 2, in its original form, would have seen the completion of water and sewer work along Adelaide Street. However, as the Town was forced to reduce the scope of work to bring the project within the approved funding it had available, work will still need to be done following the completion of the modified phase 2.

The provincial government initially committed some $1.6 million to the project. Council, back in February, requested additional money to complete the job, and is still awaiting word on the request.

Exactly what has been cut from the project was not identified at Tuesday’s meeting.

Council had initially called for tenders last year, but all bids came in well over budget and the tender was cancelled.

The upgrades will run from Cross Roads to Water Street.

Councillors Chris O’Grady, Peter Snow and Malcolm Seymour all declared themselves to be in a conflict of interest as they have family members that live in the area.

The remaining four members of council approved the motion.

Council also awarded Grassey Lane water and sewer upgrades to Cougar Engineering and Construction at a cost of $299,805, HST included. As per the motion, which passed unanimously, council will cover an estimated deficit of $4,041 in the funding it has for the project.