LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche County may soon be acquiring gravel from more local sources.
Currently, much of the gravel used for road maintenance and other projects throughout the County comes from Logan River, located 90 minutes away. Due to rising fuel costs and issues associated with the gravel itself, this may no longer be economically feasible, said Coun. Kevin Pare, during a discussion on Aug. 21 at a special Lac La Biche County council meeting.
“With the carbon tax being imposed upon us by the federal government, we are losing money,” Pare stated. “Right now, it’s in the best interest of council to explore local sources where we can purchase gravel, including Kikino and Buffalo Lake.”
While soaring fuel prices have made hauling gravel from such a distance more expensive, the quality of the gravel was also a topic of discussion among council.
“I have noticed the poor quality of this gravel in my ward,” Pare said. “When there is heavy rain, it turns into mud, which is only causing more issues for our roads. I would like to know what exactly the County’s standard is for gravel.”
Coun. Sterling Johnson, who also serves as deputy mayor for the municipality, echoed his colleague’s concerns, stating that the County must be more discerning when purchasing gravel. He continued by saying that as a default, specifications need to be tightened up.
“If a source of gravel is inferior, we shouldn’t be buying it – it’s that simple,” Johnson said, before suggesting that County officials should sample and test gravel prior to any purchases being made.
“We need gravel that is going to last for five to seven years, not one or two,” added Johnson.
When discussing the motion (which had been presented by Pare) to direct administration to gather information to be presented at a future council meeting, Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov said the County must look at current suppliers and potential future options.
“Since transportation is our biggest cost right now, it’s imperative to find the most economical way to deliver gravel from pits to where we need it,” said Reutov.
