Thunder Bay council to award big road construction contracts
City councillors in Thunder Bay will award some big contracts at their meeting on Monday night.
Several construction projects are up for consideration:
- $2.6 million contract for the second phase of construction on May Street this summer, between Dease and Miles Streets, includes paving, new water and sewer lines, as well as new lights and streetscaping
- $2 million could be approved for storm sewer work in the Northwood area
- $720,000 could be spent on renovations to the Vickers Street and former Brown Street fire halls to accommodate an ambulance
New city buses
Council will also decide whether to spend up to $1.4 million over the next 3 years for up to 9 new city buses.
The buses would be purchased from NovaBus, as part of a large deal with southern Ontario based Metrolinx, to get a better price.
Border Cats agreement
Council is also expected to sign a new agreement with the Border Cats to secure the baseball team for another two years.
But in doing so, will waive the credit and collection policy for the team, since not all of its bills from last year have been paid.
A report from city staff said it is working with the team to make payments, but poor weather last year reduced revenue.
The new Border Cats agreement would see the team pay the city $5,440 per year plus 10 per cent of concession revenue for the first $50,000 in sales.
The team used to pay $10,000 per year, but owner Brad Jorgenson told the city that was unsustainable.
Youth services plan
City council will also hear about the youth services plan at its meeting Monday night.
The plan seeks to create new neighbourhood programs for kids, particularly in the Westfort and Current River areas.
The youth services plan would also include looking at new partnerships for a potential youth centre.