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Castlegar council losing patience with Columbia Ave. contractor

Council wants outstanding items finished.
17228276_web1_190620-CAN-bus-shelter
A bus shelter along Columbia Avenue. Photo: Betsy Kline

Castlegar’s city council has voiced its frustration over the fact that some items from Phase 1 of the Columbia Avenue reconstruction project have still not been completed by project contractor MarWest Industries.

At last week’s council meeting they asked staff to bring back a report at the June 24 meeting and if the project has not been completed to bring forward what the city’s options are to ensure the work is done as soon as possible.

Castlegar civic works director Lucas Pitts said the city has been asking the contractor for a completion schedule since December, but has yet to be given one.

“The deficiency list is still two pages long,” said Pitts.

Some remaining items include raising the valves in the street up to grade, frontage improvements, line painting and adding glass to the bus shelters.

PREVIOUS: Columbia Avenue bus shelters delayed

Boulders went into place a few weeks back, and the community seems divided as to whether they like them. Several councillors reported hearing strong opinions from both sides.

CAO Chris Barlow said the boulders will make a lot more sense once the feature is completed. Each section will be finished off with a platform and a small sculpture.

Barlow said even though the company did meet the substantial completion requirements on time, it is taking them a long time to wrap up the project.

The city has not paid MarWest for the unfinished work.

The city has also received some complaints regarding accessibility issues in the bus shelters and city staff is looking at the design to see what can be done to improve them. Any modifications would be the city’s responsibility.



Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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