Penetanguishene council has decided to defer a major construction project in the downtown to 2018.
Council decided to re-tender the Main Street reconstruction project in 2018. The tender will include one and two year options and plans with a bid deadline of August 2017.
The project was originally scheduled to take place starting April 2017, however due to the project quote received being significantly higher than anticipated, it was determined that delaying the project and reissuing the tender for 2018 would be the best approach to re-evaluate the financial considerations.
“Council and staff are committed to ensuring the project is the most cost-effective and efficient reconstruction project for the Town’s main street” said the Town’s CAO, Jeff Lees. “We will be working with the consultant and prequalified contractors to bring forward the project details for 2018.”
Busines owners in the downtown had expressed concerns fearing the construction would keep customers away and said the town needed to provide more information about the project.
The 2018 reconstruction project will replace aged underground infrastructure, as well as see the installation of revitalized sidewalks, roadways and streetscaping.
“Main Street has been in need of reconstruction for many years,” said Mayor Gerry Marshall. “I know residents and businesses have been looking forward to this for a long time, but as a Council it’s our job to ensure we make the most financially responsible decision.”
