LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche County moved $1.3 million from the Stabilization Reserve to the 2025 Capital Projects Budget to complete projects started in previous years.
According to the list provided in the agenda for the May 26 meeting, the projects include $60,000 for the Plamondon Village Square; $75,000 for the Hylo Outdoor Rink; $350,000 for the Owl River Truck Fill Station; $250,000 for the Mission Road Walking Trail; $300,000 to accommodate a covered shelter at the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course track; and $300,000 for the Beaver Lake landfill.
Although council voted unanimously to approve the funds, several councillors expressed a desire for clearer reporting when projects come in over or under budget.
“I think we need to have a little bit more robust reporting, especially when we're asking for more money for capital - showing where we're at for capital, where are all of the capital projects currently, what's over, what's under, and what's our shortfall or our windfall,” said Ward 7 Coun. Lorin Tkachuk, noting the Main Street revitalization is expected to come in under budget.
Mayor Paul Reutov said there are more than 60 projects ongoing in Lac La Biche County.
“This is largely a cleanup for summer construction, that all these projects would get completed and utilized or usable,” said Reutov, before making the motion.
The motion was that council reallocates $1.335 million from Stabilization Reserve to the 2025 Capital Budgets.
“And if there is savings on Main Street and stuff, the reserves will be topped up again,” said Reutov.
The $60,000 for the Plamondon Village Square will cover contingency funds, additional project management fees, a sign, and installation of pipe donated by Enbridge.
The $75,000 for the Hylo Outdoor Rink is needed to accommodate the larger design selected.
The $350,000 for the Owl River Truck Fill Station is to facilitate the completion of the project by Sept. 30. The total cost of the tender is $1.676 million.
The $250,000 for the Mission Walking Trail will cover contingency funds and increased consultant fees.
The $300,000 for the Beaver Lake Landfill will cover contingency funds and additional engineering work.
