Paradise hopeful insurance covers cost of new equipment

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Paradise is continuing to grapple with the ramifications of a fire at the town depot and Town Hall this past February that saw multiple public works vehicles damaged and staff relocated elsewhere.
Councillor Glen Carew said that following the fire, public works staff have been operating out of a local garage.
“While this facility is functional, it lacks essential infrastructure such as open pit service and overhead cranes, which are critical for servicing heavy equipment,” said Carew.
To overcome the limitations of the temporary garage and maintain reliable service for the municipal fleet, the Department of Public Works issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for the supply and delivery of four mobile heavy-duty column lifts.
“This equipment will help restore some of the lost functionality by allowing safe, under vehicle access,” said Carew.
The RFQ was distributed to four Canadian suppliers, and the Town in turn received three bids.
Staff recommended council award the contract to lowest qualified bidder Atlas Auto Equipment for $70,339, HST included.
Carew said that as the equipment is essential for completing daily tasks, the cost of the lifts will be submitted under the Town’s ongoing property insurance claim.