Council approves Tanner pipe replacement
End in sight for years of water breaks -- residents hope
Trent Hills council has approved a $2.5-million project to replace and upgrade the water and wastewater pipes in Campbellford’s Tanner Subdivision.
The water pipes have broken and sprung leaks countless times over the past five years. Last summer the municipality undertook some emergency repairs, but an unexpected provincial grant has allowed the full rebuilding of the pipes and the addition of paved shoulders and proper ditches. The roads, which have been dug up repeatedly to allow repairs, will be properly repaved.
Behan Construction Limited of Cobourg was awarded a $2-million contract during council’s meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Jewell Engineering Inc. of Belleville was awarded a $101,000 contract to administer the contract work and inspect what is done.
Tanya Redden, Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management, told councillors that the province will pay 73 per cent of the cost, leaving the municipality to pay 27 per cent.
The reconstruction work will include Tanner Road, Parkview Boulevard, Gair Street and Ibey Court.
“It’s unfortunate for residents that they have had to go through so much for so long,” said Councillor Rick English.
Pumper price shocks councillors
Council agreed with a recommendation from Fire Chief Shawn Jamieson to acquire a new pumper truck a year early in an effort to save money. The sticker price they agreed to was $1.2 million, but Jamieson warned that delaying the purchase to 2027, as planned, would likely lead to a price at least 20 per cent higher.
The truck being replaced is a 2008 and the fire department usually keeps its vehicles for 20 years, but Jamieson warned that new emission standards taking effect in 2027 and a generally high rate of inflation would likely push the price higher.
Council agreed to take $122,500 from the fire department’s reserves to make the down payment and to use the reserves for the balance when the truck is delivered, likely in early 2027.
Jamieson said the current truck cost $308,000 when it was purchased in 2008. Prices have skyrocketed since COVID.
Insurance requirements and industry best-practices require the department to replace trucks every 20 years, even though they are in excellent condition and have life left. The pumper will be retained as a rescue pumper, Jamieson said.
“We’re held captive by the insurance industry,” said Deputy Mayor Mike Metcalf.
“Essentially, yes, and the regulations,” Jamieson responded.
He warned councillors that within a decade the Campbellford station will likely hit callout volumes that will trigger a decrease in the acceptable ages to 15 years.
The next pumper purchase is currently targeted for 2032.
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