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M.D. ponders $14.5 million in borrowing bylaws
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The M.D. of Big Lakes says they will never get a better deal to pave roads than today.
Therefore, they are preparing bylaws to consider borrowing almost $14.5 million to pave the Spruce Point Park Road, Gilwood Road and Snipe Lake Road North.
Council gave first reading to all three borrowing bylaws at its July 22 meeting. Under law, a municipality must advertise its intent to borrow money to give the public a chance to respond.
M.D. CAO Jeff Renaud reminded council the bylaws give permission for council to proceed with the projects.
“If the tenders are high council can always cancel,” said Renaud, assuming the borrowing bylaws are not opposed.
Cost of each project, based on engineer’s estimates, are as follows:
- $3,584,009.40 for Spruce Point Park Road;
- $7,173,199.99 for the Gilwood Road;
- and $3,722,342.74 for the Snipe Lake Road North.
Council did debate whether or not to pave the Snipe Lake Road North.
“With the closing of Tolko I don’t know if can support this although it’s in my area,” said Triangle, Gilwood Councillor Ken Matthews.
Sunset House, Gilwood South Councillor Randy Ehman took the more optimistic approach.
“They haven’t torn the plant down,” said Ehman. “I think you will see them return. They aren’t maintaining this for nothing. It’s times like this when we can prepare for the good times.
“This is one little good thing that comes from a recession … cheap prices,” added Ehman.
Matthews agreed cheap prices were a consideration.
“I know there’s other municipalities that are paving for that reason,” he said.
Joussard Councillor Guy L’Heureux agreed and disagreed with Ehman for different reasons.
“I’m not going to swallow Randy’s song and dance about Tolko but you have to complete the block,” said L’Heureux.
“Completing the block” refers to the Gilwood Road and Snipe Lake North Road paving which would join Highway 2 and Highway 749 south of town to complete a loop.
When council properly advertises the borrowing bylaws and sets a meeting date, the public can attend to respond in person or mail in concerns, which will be presented at the meeting.
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