Battleford Town Council is opting for concrete sidewalks over an asphalt overly. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Tyler Marr

JACKHAMMERS OUT

Battleford council opts for concrete on 22 Street sidewalks

Mar 21, 2019 | 5:01 PM

The jackhammers will be out this summer in Battleford as the town undergoes a much needed sidewalk replacement.

Council voted unanimously to move forward with replacing the sidewalk on the north and south side of 22nd Street from Central Ave. to First Ave. W with two metres of concrete instead of a three-metre asphalt overlay. The sidewalk will likely be reduced by one metre from the side closest to the street.

While concrete does come at a higher cost, a majority of lawmakers pointed to its longevity and preferred its curb appeal.

“If we want to enhance the downtown look and the whole look of Battleford, then I think we do something standard and to me [that is] cement,” Coun. Shelley Boutin-Gervais said.

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The project is estimated to cost $179,000, though only $100,000 has been set aside. Administrators believe they can save money and bring down the final tender for the project if town crews conduct the removal. A three-metre asphalt overlay would come with a price tag of about $30,000.

While Coun. Susan Mclean Tady initially said she was content with the asphalt overlay, especially given the price, was swayed by comments from Mayor Ames Leslie and others who said the current asphalt walkways are “an embarrassment.”

After the meeting, Leslie said while it may cost a little more, council is planning for the future.

“If this council is going to make decisions for long term improvements of the community, they might as well makes decisions [like this],” he said. “Concrete is proven to be one of the longest lasting substances to put down for sidewalks. Albeit expensive, it still beats the alternatives.”

While he said residents may disagree or question why concrete or asphalt even matters, Leslie said if the town wants to improve and attract investment, the design needs to be uniform.

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tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr