Gibsons council unanimously approved a contract award for water main replacement and road paving on Skyline Drive during a May 27 special meeting of council.
William Wallace, Gibsons director of finance, highlighted that the project, valued at up to $2.76 million, is the first major infrastructure project since COVID-19 that hasn't required additional funding beyond the original budget.
The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process that received three submissions.
One bid stood out due to its pricing and overall quality, prompting staff to recommend the award said Trevor Rutley, Gibsons director of infrastructure services.
The work will focus on the highest-priority section of Skyline Drive, where two substantial water main breaks occurred within recent years.
The targeted area also includes associated side streets like Avalon Drive, Shoal Lookout, and
Allison Way, which have been identified in the town's water system strategic plan as requiring attention due to condition and capacity issues.
Rutley explained that the current scope represents approximately half of the total water main replacement needed on the bluff area. The remaining work, estimated at $5-6 million, would require additional funding in future years.
Council members emphasized the importance of clear communication with residents about project boundaries, particularly given that some properties will receive upgrades while neighbouring homes may not be included in this phase.
The project is funded through an alternative approval process (AAP) authorizing the Town to borrow funds to complete the Skyline Drive water main project, which closed on July 3, 2024.
The AAP secured $2,185,000 for water main replacement (Water) and $555,000 for paving (General).
Construction is expected to be completed before winter weather conditions halt paving operations.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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