Smiths Falls council is backing a recommendation to award a nearly $5.5-million contract for major rehabilitation work on two canal bridges.
The recommendation was supported at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, but has not yet been formally approved by council.
Director of Public Works and Utilities Paul McMunn says the contract with KV Civil Contractors Inc. would be worth $5,483,602.66, including net HST.
The project includes rehabilitation of the New Lock Bridge and the pedestrian underpass bridge, as well as upgrades to the Beckwith Street, Lombard Street, Brockville Street and Jasper Avenue intersection.
McMunn says the project’s funding is primarly covered through provincial funding.
The town’s $734,933 contribution would come from its capital reserve because the money was removed from the 2026 budget before provincial funding was confirmed.
The bridge work is time-sensitive because much of it must be completed outside the canal’s navigation season.
McMunn says the basin is drained shortly after Thanksgiving and generally refilled around Victoria Day, leaving a window of roughly October through May for the work.
Staff estimate about $1.13 million could remain within the approved funding envelope after construction and inspection costs. The town hopes to direct some of that toward accessibility and active transportation improvements at the intersection, subject to provincial approval.
