PEI

Summerside cuts back on ditch infilling plan

The City of Summerside will not be filling in as many ditches as it hoped this year.

Staff expects prices will stay high

Residents on MacWilliams Drive may have to wait another year to get their ditches filled. (Google Streetview)

The City of Summerside, P.E.I., will not be filling in as many ditches as it hoped this year.

Tenders for ditch infilling and storm sewer work came in much higher than budgeted.

City staff presented the tender results for this year's project, involving MacWilliams Drive and Westchester Street, at Monday night's council meeting. Staff said increases in pipe costs and the volume of work account for the higher tenders.

Council voted to award the contract to the lowest bidder, Curran and Briggs Ltd.

That firm will do the work on Westchester Street and if there is money leftover see if they can start on MacWilliams Drive, while staying within budget.

Staff say the average price is just higher now and that will have to be reflected in next year's budget.

With files from Natalia Goodwin