By Stephen Vance, Staff
Meaford councillors received some welcome news at their June 23 meeting when Director of Operations, Stephen Vokes announced that the bids had been received for the rehabilition of Meaford’s water tower, and the winning bid is significantly lower than had been forecast.
“The tender documents, provided by Heritage Restoration Inc., met specification and have received positive reference checks from project managers of similar projects. The tender price submitted by Heritage Restoration Inc. is approximately 25 percent lower than forecast. The rehabilitation work will commence in July 2014 and should be substantially completed by mid-November 2014,” said Vokes in his report to council.
Five bids were received in total, with Heritage Restoration Inc providing a low bid of $610,280.16. The highest bid for the project came from Dupont Painting Contracting at more than $1.4 million.
The contractor will be responsible for the installation of a scaffolding/containment system, the preparation and removal of lead based paint from both the interior and exterior of the tank, and the application of paint to both the interior and exterior.
Vokes said that the completion of the project will extend the life-span of the water tower by 25 to 30 years.
While some in the community had hoped the tower could be painted apple red, Vokes told council at an earlier meeting that red paint would eventually fade to pink, and the dark paint could also alter the interior temperature of the tank, particularly during the summer months.
Instead, the tower will be painted white, and the wording “MEAFORD” will return.
Vokes advised council that the tank rehabilitation project will commence in July with the draining of the water tower, and will last approximately 12 weeks, during which residents may be asked to restrict lawn watering.
“The elevated tank rehabilitation project will require the water tower to be drained for approximately 12 weeks. Prior to the draining of the water tower, the Municipality will issue a press release encouraging residents and businesses to be mindful of conservation efforts as there will be additional strain on the equipment at the Water Treatment Plant and on the distribution system without the water tower being in use,” said Vokes in his report.
Funding for the rehabilitation project was included in the 2014 Water User Pay Capital Budget which is funded solely from users of the municipal water service.
