Carbonear agrees to carry on, worry about overruns later

By Mark Squibb

A major construction project in the Town of Carbonear may overshoot its budget.

During the September 24 public meeting, Deputy Mayor Sam Slade explained the consultant for Adelaide Street Phase 2 had identified a potential project overrun relating to topsoil and sod.

The consultant provided the town with different options to address the overrun, including a change in design. Slade, however, moved that council instead proceed with the project as originally designed and resolve the overruns when those costs are determined, as council preferred to not change the design.

Council approved the motion unanimously, except that councillors Chris O’Grady and Peter Snow declared a conflict of interest as they both have relatives who live on the street.

The project is valued at about $1.5 million, the majority of which is funded by the provincial government, and includes water, sewer, storm and street upgrades from Stentafords Lane to the intersection of Powell’s Supermarket and Adelaide Street.

Council awarded the initial contract to Cougar Engineering and Construction at the recommendation of engineering consultant Meridian Engineering Inc., back in March.

Construction has been ongoing since May.