by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — It’s hoped there will be a new salt shed at the Cobden yard very soon.
At last night’s Whitewater Region council meeting, approval was given to replace the existing structure at an estimated cost of $55,000.
Corporate Services Manager Janet Collins explained to council the emergency situation of replacing the shed.
In past years, rafters were cut in the salt shed to provide sufficient height to provide access for the loader, she advised, reading from her report. As well, the rear wall has been pushed out and is in danger of collapse.
Engineer John MacIntyre reviewed the building, and it has to be replaced, she said. She added a few quotes for the construction have been received, but wanted council’s approval for a full structure to be done.
Good new is that she has received a set of stamped, engineer drawings, she added.
Ms. Collins stressed that she would like to proceed with this under emergency purposes, as the building is not deemed suitable for this winter.
“In-house staff will demolish what’s there, remove it, and we will start construction ASAP,” Ms. Collins said.
The project will be funded in 2019, she said, explaining, there had been funds for this project, but they had been redirected towards the Beachburg Little Lakes project since she wasn’t prepared for the salt shed project.
Once she receives approval, Ms. Collins said work will start immediately.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned why this was not tendered out, since it’s over the $50,000 limit.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay said this was a project that was put off and now it’s in an emergency situation.
“When we did some of the investigation for 2019, ahead of the budget, we realized this building is ready to collapse and we could have been in a work-refusal area, so because of the timing, we don’t have time, this fits under the procedures for our procurement bylaw for an emergency to deal and get this building erected before winter, because it’s required for winter operations,” CAO Tremblay said.
“I took a tour of the building, and I kind of felt, I was not very happy about it,” he said. “The building could collapse at any time, it’s a danger to the public, to our staff. I wish we would have done this earlier, but we’re faced with the issue now and want to get the work done as soon as possible.”
Coun. McLaughlin said as long as it’s done with the procedures, he’s satisfied going ahead with the building.
In Ms. Collins’ report, a letter from Engineer MacIntyre was included and the final two paragraphs read, “The shed is exhibiting signs of distress and deterioration throughout. In addition, the stud walls are no longer adequate to safely resist the backfill pressures from the stored sand and salt. Based on the above review, replacement of the existing sand/salt shed is recommended.”
Council approved the demolition of the current salt shed and a new one to be constructed.
