Skyrocketing infrastructure costs are playing havoc with the Town budget.
Earlier this week, the Town’s general committee agreed to replace McVittie Island Dock at George Road at a cost of $194,109.
Coun. Don Smith had issues with the cost of the project.
The approved 2022 Municipal Budget and Business Plan allocated $80,000 for the replacement of the South Dock at George Road Landing. In 2022, $9,086.66 was spent on engineering and design of the new dock system. No bids were received during a call for tender in 2022 and the remainder of the Capital funds were carried to 2023.
Smith pointed out the final cost was much higher than the original estimates. He asked staff whether it would be worth holding off on the project and re-tendering at another time.
Scott Clayton, Manager of Operations, admitted that staff weren’t expecting such a significant price increase but said there was the need to make repairs to the dock immediately. He said only one bid had been received and he didn’t anticipate any significant uptick in interest if the project were re-tendered.
Geoff Carleton, the director of public works, agreed that work needs to be done immediately.
“It is in a state of failure,” he said.
Smith agreed that with those safety issues identified, the Town is compelled to take action.
George Road Landing is located at 1006 Sandbar Lane Private. The Landing includes access to the North Branch of the Muskoka River and Lake Muskoka. It includes a boat launch, docking and parking for users and some property owners on McVittie Island.
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Mac Redden says
Once again Councillor Don Smith is the lone voice of sanity at Bracebridge and the District when it comes to costs.
How much did Bracebridge blow on the pointless wooden platform near Woodchester Villa?
That could have been spent on the docks.
The new arena is costing Bracebridge taxpayers an extra $40 million!!!
$58 million vs $18 million expected.
Bracebridge opted for an unaffordable arena complex over affordable housing.
Insane.
“The loans required will make Bracebridge one of Ontario’s top indebted communities.”
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/bracebridge-announces-more-donors-for-new-arena-complex/
Dana Viking says
The Town is mismanaged. Time and again we see the farce of its tendering system. Or lack of it. Pet projects such as Storybook Trail and the useless deck in the woods at Woodchester. An arena that is way over budget and a questionable tendering process.
They act like we are just dumb taxpayers willing to be fleeced.