Development of Athabasca’s riverfront will cost the town as much as 25 per cent less than they originally expected.
Associated Engineering estimated the cost of the riverfront project to be $877,363, but after the tendering process, most of the bids came in much lower.
Five contractors replied to the tender, ranging in price from $668,583 to $1,086,490.
Town council discussed the proposals at last Tuesday’s council meeting and decided to take the lowest bid, from E Construction Ltd. for $668,583.
The difference in cost from what Associated Engineering estimated is $208,780.
Mayor Roger Morrill said he was surprised with the drastic swing in cost.
“I think it’s important to note just how much money we are saving here,” he said.
CAO Doug Topinka said the soonest they can begin riverfront construction is May 1, “when the frost is out of the ground.”
