WOODLANDS COUNTY - Woodlands County will repave parts of Highway 43 after passing debt approvals at its council meeting Aug. 14.
The projects are large capital projects that require an immediate outlay of significant funds.
The cost for the West Mountain Road re-paving is estimated at $1.85 million, while the estimated funding for the East Mountain Road re-paving is $2.4 million.
“The public was notified via the Woodlands County website and through newspaper advertisements for two consecutive weeks from June 26 to July 10,” remarked Paul Bennetto, Interim Chief Administrative Officer.
“There were no petitions received against either one of the bylaws.”
“We will most likely have a much larger project in the area, and we may enjoy some potential economies of scale,” stated Jeff Zhang, Director, Infrastructure Services.
The Woodlands County Council gave the first reading of both borrowing bylaws on June 19.
The East Mountain Road, Highway 43 to Range Road 120 and the West Mountain Road, Whitecourt boundary to Township 592, are the sections that require re-paving.
Councillor Alan Deane, representing Whitecourt Central, questioned the timeline and Councillor John Burrows, representing Whitecourt West, questioned where the funds were coming from.
Zhang clarified they may be able to time these Mountain Road projects along the same timeline as the larger project planned, potentially reducing the overall cost of the project.
“The source funding is through the capital finance authority,” stated Bennetto.
Deane asked for clarification on whether the projects could wait to be completed.
Zhang explained that there are considerations, and it is administration’s advice to proceed with the project as a 2025 project.
Bennetto explained that the support of the second and third reading would position Woodlands County to be prepared and move forward with getting ready to deliver this capital project.
Both the second and third reading for the borrowing bylaws were carried.
