Written By David Gomez
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - Council approved a series of public works and drainage-related decisions during its February 18 meeting, addressing infrastructure rehabilitation and procedural steps under the Drainage Act.
Council first considered the Bridge and Culvert Tender Results, which covered deferred rehabilitation work on six bridges and culverts approved through the municipality’s 2025 capital budget.
Presenting the report on behalf of the public works department, CAO Amanda Gubbels explained that four compliant bids were received. She told council that “Vandenberk Construction Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $178,837, which is significantly below the engineer’s pre-tender estimate, which we like to see.” Gubbels added that the project remains fully funded, with capital dollars carried forward into 2026, and aligns with the municipality’s long-term infrastructure renewal plans and OSIM priorities.
Questions from council focused on the large gap between the lowest bid and the next closest submission. Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice observed that there was “a big difference in the prices” and asked whether staff had any concerns. Gubbels responded that staff had reviewed labour hours and quantities and were satisfied with the submission. “This does sometimes happen with bids, and we are always happy to achieve any savings that we can,” she said.
With no further questions, council voted unanimously to award the contract to Vandenberk Construction Inc. and authorize the mayor and clerk to execute the necessary documents.
Council then turned its attention to drainage matters, beginning with a new drain petition involving a branch of the Hyndman Drain. Drainage Superintendent Andrew Neely explained that the request follows a petition received late last year seeking to formalize an existing tile drain that predates 1928.
The petition requests that the tile be reconstructed as a municipal drain, tentatively referred to as the Manser Branch. Neely recommended that council appoint Spriet Associates as the engineer to proceed with the next phase of the process.
During discussion, Councillor Martin Vink asked about the origin of the branch’s name. Neely replied that “that was the petitioner’s name,” adding that petitioners typically have the option to name a drain. Council approved the appointment without further debate.
The final item involved a request under Section 78 of the Drainage Act concerning Government Drain No. 3 – Branch Line in the former Mosa Township. Neely told council that the branch was originally constructed in 1970 and has not been addressed separately in subsequent reports.
The request seeks to increase the size of the branch and enclose a portion of the open ditch that serves as an outlet for the existing tile drain. Neely cautioned that the scope of the project remains uncertain. “At this point, it is unclear the full extent of the project, because we haven’t had any meetings or notices yet,” he said.
Councillors sought clarification on the location of the open and tiled sections and whether multiple landowners would be affected. Neely confirmed that at least one farm would be involved, with further details to be determined through the notification process. Council voted to accept the request and direct staff to notify affected landowners and report back with the results.
