City braces for ‘big dig’

“And I think that’s a more important discussion for us, because it is going to directly affect those businesses,” he said.

The businesses within 75 metres of the construction site received notices about the construction, as well as those as far away as the foot of the hill, manager of capital projects Wes Hicks said.

For the five businesses invited to meet with the contractor, the roadwork will have a direct impact on their water line.

“There will be some shutoffs at some time to make the changeovers. But we have asked that they provide a temporary water [line] during the construction,” Hicks said.

The disruptions have been a cause for concern for at least one area business owner.

In February, after the roadwork project was first announced, the owner and manager of Humpty’s, Robert Dunn, expressed his concern about the potential for lost sales as the bills continue to come in.

When asked about the economic impact to the City and to businesses, Dionne said that anytime there are projects like this, “absolutely” there is going to be an impact. But how that will be measured and how the City will reach a final dollar value of the impact, Dionne said city officials do not know.

He said this is why when the project is tendered, the City wants to have the contractor complete the work as fast as it can and have crews work as long as they can.

“Because, there’s always going to be economic impact[s]. For example, the five businesses on the street will probably have the highest impact because of access. It’s an unfortunate matter that comes about when you do a project like this, but at the end of the day, as I say, short-term pain for long-term gain.

“It’s been 100 years since we dug up that street, so we get [it] done again and we do it right, it’ll be a long time again.”

Where the possibility of adverse effects of the roadwork on major summer events in the City, Dionne doesn’t think there will be any. He said the City warns visitors that if they are coming into Prince Albert for an event, to leave 30 to 40 minutes early.

“And I think that’s the key. The key is to educate the people [about] the timeframe it’s on when it’s happening so they can make those plans,” he said.

Public education is on the City’s agenda.

It plans to give drivers some advanced warning by posting signs at the city’s limits on Highway 2 north and south.

Hicks hinted at the potential for “a lot of detours and delays” at Monday’s executive committee meeting. The department plans to post the warning signs on Tuesday.

Originally, the City planned to post only two signs, but then opted to post four signs.

He said the department also plans to host an open house event at City Hall to provide the public with information, as well as give residents a chance to ask questions. There, the City plans to present a schedule and maps, Hicks said.

A date for the open house has not yet been set.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames

by Thia James

City braces for ‘big dig’

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