Smiths Falls council is set to award a major infrastructure contract that will launch Phase 1 of the Town’s multi-year Trunk Watermain and Sewer Separation project.
At its July 13 meeting, the Committee of the Whole approved awarding the work to Ingimundson Construction Ltd. for $2.5 million, while also authorizing a separate engineering services agreement with EVB Engineering valued at $171,445 for contract administration and inspection services.
The town will pay about $721,000 in total for this phase after securing a provincial grant of up to $13.3 million for the total project.
The Town’s share of the broader multi-year undertaking is expected to be about $4.9 million.
Mayor Shawn Pankow asked if the new pipes could be larger than what’s planned after seeing excess flooding during this month’s storm, but Director of Public Works Paul McMunn said it’s not feasible.
McMunn offered a project timeline during his report.
The project will include sanitary sewer repairs on Rideau Avenue South, installation of a new 16-inch trunk watermain between the water tower and Rideau Avenue South, construction of a new 8-inch distribution watermain for homes on Lorne Street, development of a multi-use pathway linking Air Care Drive and Lorne Street, and the full reconstruction of Lorne Street between Rideau Avenue South and the easement behind Hershey Drive.
Town officials say the investment is a critical step in modernizing municipal infrastructure and ensuring adequate water capacity for future growth while improving reliability for residents and businesses.
Story by Grant Deme
