Tender Awarded for Blakeney Bridge Replacement

The following are highlights from the Lanark County Council Meeting held May 8, 2024.

Lanark County Council has awarded the tender for the replacement of the Blakeney Bridge to Looby Builders (Dublin) Limited for $3.06 million plus HST.

In a report to council Wednesday evening (May 8), Public Works Manager Sean Derouin explained council approved a two-lane, 7.3-metre replacement modular bridge in December 2022, and in May 2023 Mississippi Mills council passed a resolution to contribute $180,000 to widen the bridge to accommodate pedestrians. Supply of the bridge structure was awarded to Acrow in December 2023 for $1.24 million.

The tender for the replacement work closed on April 25, 2024, with three bids received. Derouin outlined recent similar projects completed by Looby, which was the low bidder, and indicated public works “is confident Looby has the experience and capacity to complete this project on time.”

Derouin said now that bids have been received, there is an estimated budget shortfall for the project of about $420,000. He said estimates are affected by challenges with accessing the islands during removal of existing structures, installation of new concrete footings and abutments, unpredictable weather and the highly vulnerable location of the project, as well as inflation since the budget was created.

In addition to the tender award, council approved maintaining a previous commitment of $200,000 from this year’s overall tender surplus for contingency during construction, any 2024 budget surplus to cover the shortfall and to take any remainder from reserves. It will also ask Mississippi Mills to consider adjusting its $180,000 contribution based on pro-rating the actual costs.

For more information, contact Sean Derouin, Public Works Manager, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 3194.

Lanark Workforce Attraction Campaign Strategy Outlined: Lanark County Council received a presentation about the Lanark Workforce Attraction Campaign Strategy, which aims to attract skilled professionals, particularly in health care and the trades, and encourage them to consider relocating to Lanark County.

Bronwyn Mondoux, Cinnamon Toast Founder and Chief Creative Officer, outlined the strategy at the economic development committee of the whole meeting last month. Working with the Lanark County Economic Development Team, the six-week campaign aims to “position Lanark County as the top choice destination for newcomers seeking relocation and employment opportunities.”

Mondoux explained the campaign has four objectives:

1. Increasing the number of submissions from qualified health care professionals and trade workers.

2. Increasing awareness of job opportunities available in Lanark County.

3. Improving the community’s perception by highlighting its unique amenities and quality of life.

4. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals who are considering relocation.

Mondoux highlighted themes that can serve as the foundation for the campaign to attract newcomers and value, including nature, community, family first, small-town charm, rural-urban fusion, education, and health and wellness. Milestones for the project include research; marketing plan and campaign strategy development; creative development (i.e. videos and other assets); and execution, reporting and refinement. Regular monitoring and evaluation are part of the plan, and there are multiple targets related to increasing online engagement.

For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

Paramedic Services Week Proclaimed: Warden Steve Fournier (Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve) has proclaimed May 19 to 25, 2024 to be Paramedic Services Week in Lanark County.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of paramedics in the county and aims to raise community awareness and appreciation of the services they provide.

Lanark County is responsible for providing paramedic services to the citizens of Lanark County. In a report to council, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema said most of the paramedics who are part of the LCPS are residents of the county.

“They are the neighbours, friends and family of those who rely on the professional, efficient response that is called upon, time and time again, in times of medical need.”

The paramedics respond throughout the county and to neighbouring municipalities when medical services are required.

“The lifesaving skills delivered by the paramedics, usually the first responder in

the time of need, have a direct impact on the patient’s steps to recover,” Mellema said. “Paramedics take great pride in the ability to provide health care services to the public that Lanark County Council represents.”

“The skills and quality care rendered by the paramedics are an integral part of the health care service,” the proclamation states.

Warden Fournier encourages all citizens to learn more about the role of paramedics in the health system.

For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

Upcoming Meetings: County Council, Wednesday, May 22, 5 p.m.; Public Works, May 22 (following County Council); Economic Development, May 22 (following Public Works). County Council, Wednesday, June 12, 5 p.m.; Community Services, June 12 (following County Council); Corporate Services, June 12 (following Community Services).

Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on X!