Paradise costs increase for snow plow parts
By Mark Squibb
While most of us are still trying to put winter behind us, staff at the Town of Paradise are already preparing for next winter and, in the process, have learned that a common snow plow part has nearly doubled in cost.
Each year, staff purchase carbine cutting edges to adorn the town’s snowplows. The cutting edge is bolted to the bottom of the blade and bears the brunt of the impact against asphalt, ice and debris, protecting the plow from wear and tear.
Staff recently obtained quotes from three companies and noticed a significant cost increase in the edges. The parts jumped in cost from $325 in 2025 to $655, more than double what they cost last year. Those same parts only cost about $259 per unit in 2020
For the purchase of 150 edges, Western Hydraulics 2000 Ltd. provided a quote of $98,850, Western Hydraulic & Mechanical provided a quote of $101,650, and Provall Parts provided a quote of $198,000, HST excluded for all quotes.
Staff recommended council award the contract to the lowest bidder, Western Hydraulics, and during the June 2 meeting council voted to purchase the 150 edges for a total of $113,677, HST and shipping costs included for the 2026-2027 winter season.
“We go through quite a few of these every year, and it’s great that the guys are getting ahead of this, but as you can see, the prices have more than doubled,” said councillor Tommy Maher.
Mayor Patrick Martin noted that such increases make it hard for staff to budget.
The motion, put forward by councillor Maher, was approved unanimously.
The carbines proved not to be the only year-over-year purchase that had jumped in price.
Immediately following the carbine vote, councillor Maher brought forward a motion to purchase 500 tons of hot mix asphalt.
The councillor explained that each year, the public works department purchases hot mix asphalt for the paving contractor to carry out proper repairs to streets and driveways using its own resources.
Of the five companies that submitted bids, Farrells Excavating Limited came in with the lowest with a bid in the amount of $76,725, plus HST.
As per the contract, the town will pay $155, plus HST, per ton of hot mix, compared to paying only $123, plus HST, per ton in 2024.
“Again, it’s a big price increase from last year, with the price of crude oil coming up,” said Maher. “It’s an oil-based product so that’s driving the prices.”
Council approved the bid in the amount of $88,233, HST included.