Replacement of the 10th Street Bridge will begin in 2019/20. To qualify for Ministry of Transport Ontario Connecting Link funding, work must be complete by March 31, 2021. Promptly completing the final design, tendering process, and award of tender will help to ensure that date is achievable.
The structure consisting of two buildings/properties located on the southeast corner of 10th Street and 1st Avenue East is very close to the street and bridge structure. The under-structure of the current bridge appears to go into the foundation of the building closest to 10th Street East. Replacing the bridge with this building intact will present challenges including not damaging the building during the
construction. For the contractor these challenges will result in added costs to their tender prices. City staff and our Engineering Consultant GM Blue Plan recommended acquiring this property prior to construction.
On October 29th, 2018 Council gave authority to the City Manager and the Director of Public Works & Engineering to negotiate with the property owner for the purchase of 95-99 10th Street East with a specific mandate.
During closed session City Council directed staff to purchase the property in question for $225,000.00.
The purchase of 95-99 10th Street East allows the City to proceed with the 10th Street Bridge project with less risk given that once purchased the building can be demolished to accommodate the foundation of the new bridge.
The quick turn around also allows the project to remain on schedule which is paramount given the stipulations associated with MTO Connecting Link funding requiring the project to be completed by March 31, 2021.
The cost of the land acquisitions will be budgeted as part of the 10th Street Bridge replacement. Currently $3,000,000 in funding will come from the Provincial Connecting Link Grant and the remainder will be financed by the City.