The tender for the much-discussed sewer replacement project on George and Seymour streets has been approved.
Town council awarded the contract to D’Amore Construction (2000) Ltd. during its most recent meeting. The cost is $3,647,824 excluding HST. In addition to Seymour and George streets, portions of Murray St. will also be included.
Work entails watermain and storm sewer improvements on Seymour St., full replacement of sidewalks, curbs and pavement in all areas impacted by sanitary sewer replacement and reconstruction of Seymour St. from Simcoe St. to Gore St.
The issue became controversial in late 2024 when residents received letters from the town, which led to concerns such items as steps and porches would have to be removed or they would have to pay for encroachment agreements. The town would later allow those items to be kept at no cost to the homeowners but fencing and landscaping could still be impacted.
Construction is expected to last two months. Councillor Diane Pouget wanted assurance the contractor knew of the agreement with the homeowners and was told the contractor was aware of the situation and council’s previous direction.
Town council is exploring its options as it relates to the Boblo ferry.
After coming out of an in-camera session last Monday night, Councillor Diane Pouget put forth a motion on the issue. It stemmed from the ferry being out of service due to repairs Jan. 16-19.
Pouget’s motion states that “administration be directed to call a meeting with a solicitor and council as quickly as possible to determine if there were any violations between the agreements between the developer of Bob-Lo Island and the municipality of the Town of Amherstburg during the recent four-day shutdown.”
The motion continued: “The solicitor should advise council what actions are necessary to protect our Boblo Island residents and the possible liability for our Town, if no action is taken.”
The motion was passed, with no debate.
Water plant concerns
Town council passed a motion to approve a $16.4 million project for a reservoir upgrade and redundancy protection project at the Amherstburg Water Treatment Plan. The money will come from development charge water and highway reserves, OCIF funding previously identified for urban road rehabilitation, mill and pave and sanitary sewer upgrades and replacements.
It was awarded to Amico Design Build Inc., though town council heard concerns from a local resident on the matter.
Bill Petruniak asked council if they had done everything possible “to ensure this project is in the best hands” and had questions over the proponent. He cited concerns with Amico relating to the promised hotel on Dalhousie St., a back-up ferry for Boblo and a ten-person airboat, stating he has “trust issues” with the company. He pointed out town council assumes personal risk over providing safe water.
Petruniak suggested the inclusion of a performance bond, insurance and penalty clauses. He also believed this project should have been done “years ago” but it kept being delayed.
“Stop blaming past councils. Do the right things for the town and protect yourselves,” he told council members.
Councillor Linden Crain asked about contractual obligations once a tender was put out. CAO Valerie Critchley said public procurement is highly regulated and once a tender package is made public and a lowest bidder is compliant, which in this case is with Amico, there would be liability for damages suffered.
Critchley added the town has recent experience with Amico on the forcemain issue to Boblo Island, which she said was done on time and on budget.
“There were no issues with it. We had no reason to disqualify this contractor,” she said.
Performance bonds and insurance are already required as part of the current project, she indicated. If a company meets the terms of a tender and they are the lowest compliant bidder, they get the job, she added.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb noted the project budget and noted the town is not borrowing money and paying through reserves. Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne said a portion will be financed via debt but the report before council Jan. 27 would not add to that. The portion of debt was identified as $3.7 million.
Councillor Diane Pouget asked what would happen if the town doesn’t meet its goal of 134 new building permits in 2025 to recoup needed replacement funds. Osborne stated there is no time limit on that payback and could be paid back sooner if development charges are collected sooner.
The motion to approve the tender was approved unanimously.
Town council awards tender for sewer work on George, Seymour streets
By Ron Giofu
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