Trees are fighting pavement in Tofino and the district is covering the damages.
Roots have conquered a portion of Tofino’s multi-use path, prompting the district to approve a $387,500 project to rehabilitate and fortify a portion of the path from 1296 Pacific Rim Highway to Tree Frog Lane.
“There is quite poor condition of the existing infrastructure. There is substantial root growth through the asphalt currently in this area,” district project manager Todd Staley told council during March 28’s regular meeting.
He said the project will consist of 500 lineal metres, including culvert replacements and the installation of root guards as well as bringing the path up to the province’s current 4-metre wide standard and straightening a hazardous corner.
“This should add a little safety as that corner is quite sharp and you can’t see around it very well,” he said.
A request sent out by the district on March 1 generated just one interested company by the March 17 deadline with local contractor Gibson Brothers submitting a $387,500 bid, which council voted unanimously to approve on March 28.
“I’m looking forward to this project happening because those tree roots are very exciting,” said Coun. Ali Sawyer.
“It’s awesome,” added mayor Dan Law. “It’s a great project.”
The $387,500 bill will be paid entirely with Resort Municipality Initiative funding and came in under the district’s $403,375 budget for the project.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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