Major infrastructure projects move forward after council decisions

Tender, ROP set for water main replacement consulting, roadway paving; Mac the Moose on trial?

Moose Jaw city council dealt with a pair of major infrastructure tenders as part of their capital project awards during their most recent meeting on Feb. 11.

Council approved a $455,000 request for proposal for consulting services for the Phase IV Water Main replacement as well as a $2,450,000 tender for roadway paving, with that tender set to close on Feb, 14.

The two projects were moved forward before final budget approval due to the timeliness of their delivery, accommodating for design and allowing contractors time to plan their season. Delays in the awarding of tenders for projects of that scope have been found to have a large impact on the ability to deliver in the past, hence the decision to move forward as quickly as possible in the new year. ****

The removal of the word ‘direct’ from a trio of residential subdivision proposals received a touch of discussion, with Coun. Brian Swanson seeking to simplify the wording of reports to the provincial government.

At question was the line ‘The City of Moose Jaw will not provide direct water or sewer service for this development.’ with the word ‘direct’ potentially adding confusion to the wording. As it stands, the city will provide water and sewer services up to city limits, with the rural municipality water co-op dealing with hook-ups from there. The concern with providing such services is that since the new subdivisions would be outside city boundaries, they would benefit from the services but not pay taxes. All three motions passed unanimously for both the removal of ‘direct’ and the overall reports.

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A request by the cultural diversity committee to have bus service extended further into evening hours in order to accommodate Sask Polytech international students turned into a greater, overall review of the entire city transit program and bus routes after discussion and a motion by Coun. Chris Warren. City administration was directed to report back with recommendations. ****

Coun. Dawn Luhning asked about the progress of ridesharing in the city, pointing out that Saskatoon has already launched their services. City clerk/solicitor Myron Gulka-Tiechko said the program was under review, with a variety of factors involving taxi bylaws and how they might affect ridesharing being taken into consideration. He expected things to be ready for council review by mid-March. ****

Moose Jaw citizen Clayton Finnell offered a unique proposal to council with regards to the current situation surrounding Mac the Moose – a trial to decide whether Mac should remain the same size, be raised to the same size as the Norway moose or made larger. The trial would feature for and against arguments from both sides and would be decided on by school students voting alongside council members for a final decision.

Finnell’s added that out of kindness, Mac should be left the same or at the very most built to the same height. His comments were received and filed.