The City of Prince Rupert will soon have smoother roads and sidewalks.
At its June 23 regular meeting, Prince Rupert council awarded a contract of just under $2.8 million to Alberta-based Zulu Aggregates for the city's 2025 Capital Paving Project. The paving will help cover trouble spots throughout the community as well as sectors that have undergone infrastructure improvements through the city's Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project.
The operations department posted a quotes request for the project on BC Bid and received two compliant bids. Zulu Aggregate's bid of $2.77 million was almost $1.1 million cheaper than Terus Construction's, which was a main reason why they were awarded the contract.
"The bid is on budget, ensuring that we can complete the necessary projects without financial strain," city director of operations Jordan Schmidt said.
"Zulu Aggregates has received excellent references to support their high-quality work and product, professionalism and willingness to work collaboratively to minimize impacts to residents and the general public."
Councillors Barry Cunningham and Nick Adey both expressed concerns during the meeting about awarding a contract to a non-local company. Schmidt said his staff always has a preference to award locally, but Zulu Aggregates was the better option based on price difference and cost of materials. He also assured council that the company would come back to Prince Rupert to fix any problems that may arise from their work.
Schmidt added the $1 million difference was mainly due to the cost of asphalt.
The annual paving contract accounts for approximately $834,118, including $165,882 in contingencies for on-site modifications and additional area coverage such as base gravel, levelling, raising water vales and manholes, and minor paving.
The remaining $1.94 million will be allocated to BIG projects, including Herman Street and Rushbrook Avenue, 400 9th Ave. West, Lisa Walters Drive, Lotbiniere Street, 11th Avenue East, Alfred Street, Bacon Street, Crestview Drive, Prince Rupert Boulevard, and Victoria Avenue.
Zulu Aggregates will begin work in August, with completion scheduled for the end of September.
