In 2009, several infrastructure renewal and development projects have taken place within Steinbach.
“The aggressive infrastructure expansion and renewal projects have been progressing quickly,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen. “Council is very pleased to see not only new projects go ahead, but rather a mix of upgrades and new added features to our basic infrastructure network.”
Sidewalk Projects
Sidewalk installations and repairs have been completed in a number of areas throughout the city, including on the north side of Ellice Ave., from Giesbrecht St. to the Soccer Park, and on the west side of Brandt St., from Woodhaven Ave. to Reimer Ave. The contractor for these two projects, Maple Leaf Construction, is working on the final landscape touches and a final inspection has been scheduled for August 13th. Costs of the projects were slightly over estimate due to extra landscaping required.
Sections of sidewalk on Barkman Ave., between First and Third St., have also been replaced or patched by the City’s Public Works Department. Portions of the sidewalk on Second St. in front of the Cultural Arts Centre and at the corner of First St. and Friesen Ave. have also had spot repairs. Public Works has now completed the three-year project of adjusting the paving stone along Main St. sidewalks and, over the next couple months, will be finishing up some sodding and landscaping along a few sidewalks and boulevards, as well as curb spot repairs throughout the city.
Concrete Pavement Projects
The concrete surfacing on Acres Drive and Industrial Road is now complete. The asphalt transition from Acres Drive to PTH 12 and the approach to the RCMP detachment will be completed in the next couple of weeks. Shelmerdine has been contracted to finish the landscaping of the boulevards on Acres Drive. The whole project is expected to be complete by the end of August.
On Industrial Road, Nelson River Construction is currently completing the concrete approaches to the various private properties along the road. Concrete will be placed at the bottom of the drainage ditches and final landscaping of the ditches and boulevards are ongoing. The anticipated completion date for Industrial Road is mid-September. Both roads are now open to local traffic.
Pump House Upgrade
Work is underway for the pump house on Main Street beside the K.R. Barkman Park. Arnason Industries began construction on July 13, 2009, and plans to have the structure and underground piping completed by the end of October 2009. The majority of the current underground piping system is from the original infrastructure built in 1956.
Due to some delivery delays, mechanical components are set to arrive in December. Two large pumps and a chlorine scrubber are the major equipment items that will be installed. The chlorine scrubber is a new safety feature designed to automatically detect and neutralize any emergency chlorine leaks or spills.
The entire project, at a cost of $1.3 million, should be completed by the end of January 2010.
Asphalt Overlay Projects
The asphalt overlay has been completed on Autumnwood Dr., Westwood St., Greenwood St., and Rosewood Place. The work, done by Maple Leaf Construction, was completed by the end of July and the final inspection is scheduled for this week.
Steinbach Soccer Park
The Steinbach Soccer Park’s parking lot and access road are nearing completion. Gravel was spread on the parking lot and road last week and the boundary posts around the lot were completed yesterday. Final touches include some grass seeding between the pedestrian path and access road and the planting of some trees, which will happen in the next couple weeks.
“These are important additions and upgrades to the basic infrastructure in our community,” said Mayor Goertzen. “Council believes these are good investments in the future of our city.”
