The excavation site on Seventh Avenue East will be the first to be backfilled and the road reopened in the days to come |
Prince Rupert City council and senior staff members have seemingly heard the concerns of many in the community over the status of open excavations, with an announcement today that outlines some of the work ahead on those areas which have seen closed city streets for weeks and in some cases months.
Earlier this week, we noted of some concerns from residents related to safety and emergency response, with a recent incident on Seal Cove Circle highlighting the situation.
This morning the City provided some background to how they will be approaching the backfill project. Towards the infrastructure issues Mayor Pond observed of the following.
Crews have started to backfill the holes from water main breaks on 7th Avenue East this week and will be moving into other areas (Frederick, Kootenay) over the following days so roadways can be reopened.
This is an interim measure to improve local traffic access while we await word on funding to complete the full scope of repairs in these areas.
It should be noted that this backfilling will not be repaved in the near term, as the full section of pipe along that corridor must be replaced and the holes will be re-excavated for that work.
Towards the infrastructure issues and inconvenience to residents Mayor Pond observed of the following.
“We understand that this is absolutely an inconvenience to the community, and especially to those neighbourhoods that have been dug up. Prince Rupert is heading into a critical period of renewal, and to get to where we need to be, there will be unavoidable disruptions. We commit to doing our best to minimize them, and appreciate the community’s understanding while we do this essential work to prevent the potential collapse of our water system.” -- Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond
I hope the dog park and parking area will be reopened
ReplyDeleteResident confidence in communication out of City Hall is at an all time low. The fact that the Mayor's comment above does not mention citizen facing communication at all is a major concern.
ReplyDeleteCity Hall Administration need to get out in front of this. Get an interactive project map online up and running. Prioritize projects red, yellow green with expected resolution dates so residents can reference it, check the progress, and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This is not rocket surgery or brain science.
Blame it on Covid. It's like Rose's / Belmont, Empress. Just hope no one will notice. Hoping you will receive money then acting on hope is not planning. When money is in your hand then you know if you can accomplish your goals.
ReplyDeleteIt is time the city gets back to the basics. No new projects until the backlog is cleared up. Sadly, it won't be in my lifetime!
Dig a hole, fill it in. It doesn't matter just make it look like we are doing something. Still can't use my stairs to Fourth West doing something there would be appreciated!
ReplyDeletePedestrian cross walk lights are also needed in this town!
ReplyDelete