Written By David Gomez
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Several infrastructure and financial decisions moved forward at council’s April 7 meeting, as councillors approved drainage tenders, reserve transfers tied to a 2025 surplus, and road surface treatment work scheduled for this year.
Among the first items before council was the Richardson Earley Drain construction tender. Drainage Superintendent Rob Keidel told council four bids had been received through the township’s procurement process, with the lowest compliant submission coming from McNally Excavating at $537,600 excluding HST, which was below the engineers pre tender estimate.
He noted that project costs will be assessed to benefiting lands and roads in accordance with the Drainage Act and the existing assessment schedule. Council approved the recommendation.
Council then considered a separate matter involving the same municipal drain system. Keidel presented a Section 78 request to relocate part of Branch B of the Richardson Earley Drain to accommodate a proposed broiler barn at 1533 Mullifarry Dr.
“The best spot to do it is actually on top of the existing Branch B tile,” Keidel said, explaining that the landowner had signed a request to relocate a portion of the municipal drain. He added that the existing 200-millimetre tile services four properties, three of which are owned by the applicant.
Because the drain has a legal right-of-way under the Drainage Act, the relocation must proceed through the formal municipal process. Council approved the petition and appointed Spriet Associates to prepare the required engineer’s report.
Treasurer Johnny Pereira then presented the township’s preliminary 2025 year-end surplus and proposed reserve transfers. Pereira reported an estimated surplus of $338,793.
“This is a bit higher than what the township typically targets, but it does reflect a positive financial outcome, not the result of over budgeting for the year,” he said.
According to Pereira, the largest contributors included operating carry forwards into 2026, higher supplemental tax billing, increased interest revenue and lower legal costs. He noted that pressures in areas such as winter maintenance and fleet operations were offset by savings elsewhere.
Staff recommended allocating the surplus across several reserve funds, including $40,717 to operating project carryforwards, $60,000 to the legal reserve fund, $10,000 to the winter maintenance reserve fund and $223,076 to the lifecycle management reserve fund. A new automatic aid reserve fund for fire services would also be created with an initial $5,000 contribution.
Pereira noted the figures remain preliminary pending completion of the annual audit, with any final adjustments to be directed through the lifecycle management reserve fund. Council approved the recommendations.
Mayor Susan Clarke credited staff for the financial result, calling it “prudent cash management.”
Council’s final major item involved the 2026 single surface treatment tender for Winter Drive and Walkers Drive. Public Works Manager Coulter Cahill said both roads were scheduled for treatment under the township’s asset management plan.
“The successful bidder for this application was Cornell Construction Limited based on the lowest overall price,” Cahill said.
He told council the tendered amount is $319,550 plus HST, with an additional $48,000 in materials bringing the estimated total project cost to $367,550. That remains below the approved budget of $388,500.
Councillor Mike Brodie asked whether the additional costs related to deteriorated sections of Winter Drive. Cahill confirmed that deteriorated sections of Winter Drive would be addressed as part of the project, noting that repairs were needed because conditions had worsened.
Asked about timing, Cahill said the tender requires completion by September, with work expected during July or August.
Council approved the contract award and authorized staff to finalize the agreement.
