Blackfalds Border Paving Plaza now underway with new completion date

The project was released for tender on May 11 with an anticipated cost of $668,000 by administration. By the end of the month, just one bid was submitted by Pearl Rose Construction Ltd. in Red Deer at $1,135,800. After administration reviewed the project’s overall scope, the cost decreased to $621,000.

The perforated screening wall, which will be covered in an assortment of pictures chosen by the Recreation, Culture and Parks Board and council, was awarded to the Behrends Group at $119,125.

At council’s June 14 meeting, administration revised and retendered the project to the Fall, with the hope that construction prices would be more favorable.

Three bids were received by September 12. The highest bid was from Prologic Construction in Edmonton at $1,303,667.67, the second was Pearl Rose Construction at $691,561.20, and the lowest from Timcon Construction at $604,133.15.

The Town was also approved for a Canada Community Revitalization Grant of $501,000, with a deadline date of March 31, 2023 and the possibility of an extension which has yet to be confirmed.

Councillor Laura Svab voiced against the project’s location, saying its proximity to the train track would be too noisy for shows and gatherings. Councillor Brenda Dennis agreed with the sentiment, also stating the Plaza would be close to a lift station that emits an unpleasant odor.

Border Paving Plaza (Blackfalds council agenda Sept. 13 p. 12)

Rick Kreklewich, Director of Community Services, responded that an electrical system will be incorporated into the area to allow for sound systems at events and the lift station is treated with a chemical to control odors which will be further examined.

As the area is currently under construction from the EBC, the option of simply landscaping the area rather than building the Plaza would cost between $95,000- 107,000, according to Kreklewich. If a parking lot were to be built instead, as suggested by Councillor Svab, a maximum of eight stalls would fit, he replied.

Mayor Jamie Hoover, who voted in favor of the Plaza bid by Timcon, said many events take place similarly on the east side of the train tracks and residents haven’t voiced any complaints.

He also said the community is in need of an outdoor space dedicated to events rather than the current solution of closing streets.

“I personally believe that this will add some great functionality and continuity in this area for what I think is a minimal cost to the municipality given the amazing grant that we received and the sponsorships that we received,” he said. “We gain an area that’s appealing and easily used and I’m sure once our community sees this, they’re going to understand the benefit it’s going to bring to our community.”

Mayor Hoover also said fencing would be in place along both sides of the railroad tracks to ensure safety of the public.

Councillors Svab, Dennis and Edna Coulter were not in favor of awarding the tender to Timcon Construction.

Councillors Svab and Dennis were opposed to awarding the perforated screening wall to Behrends.

The new completion date is expected for Spring 2023.

by Alessia Proietti

Blackfalds Border Paving Plaza now underway with new completion date

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