news

Cranbrook, BC (April 12, 2022) – Another robust capital works program is set to take shape in the City of Cranbrook this spring and summer.  Staff provided an update to Council at their regular meeting on Monday night on which projects will be undertaken in 2022.

Phase one of reconstruction work on 4th Street North is to begin this week, with full reconstruction of road, water, sanitary sewer and storm water infrastructure is on tap. The project was awarded to Copcan Civil LP at a cost of $2.97 million.  The City and the contractor will work closely with nearby businesses and residents to minimize disruptions and communication details of the work as it moves forward.

Phase two of the Mount Royal Rehabilitation program is slated to start in May or June to allow for more suitable soil conditions.  Rehab work and resurfacing of the remaining major failure areas of Mount Royal Ridge and Mount Royal Drive make up the project.  Project was awarded to BA Blacktop at a cost of $466,906.

“We’ve seen some significant price increases for construction work that are being felt by all municipalities. These price increases are more volatile for certain materials and types of work, however, all indications from the civil construction industry suggest these prices won’t be coming down any time soon and may in fact continue, therefore, we are recommending moving forward with our high priority and critical infrastructure upgrades,” says Mike Matejka, Manager of Roads and Infrastructure.

Other projects on tap for 2022 includes full replacement of the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) building and components at Wildstone anticipated to start this spring.  There will be some major water disruptions during the transition and the commissioning of the new PRV.  The City will have plans in place to minimize the impact to residents while ensuring regular project updates and advance notice of any planned water outages or disruptions to road access. 

Rehabilitation work around Joseph Creek from 15th Avenue South and 1st Street South is underway with vegetation removal occurring, under authorization from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).  The project is to undertake flood mitigation and rehab of the creek channel, with creek work to happen in July and August during the prescribed fisheries window.  This project tender is out for bid now and is to close on April 19, 2022.

The 2022 paving program is currently out to tender, and is set to close on April 14, 2022.  Roads to be resurfaced include sections of Larch Drive, Slater Road, 12th Street North and Willowbrook Drive.

Full reconstruction of road and water services is in the planning stages for 12th Avenue South between 2nd and 3rd Street South.  The detailed budget and design is being worked on now, but whether or not the work can be completed this year will be subject to both pricing and budgets on other projects.

“Construction costs and tender prices will continue to be monitored very carefully to ensure best value is being provided for our tax dollars,” says Matejka. “The infrastructure planning and delivery process will continue to focus efforts on project efficiencies related to construction materials and methods, such that our infrastructure investments continue to have significant and lasting impacts.”