The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's chief administrative officer has provided the explanation so vehemently demanded as to why a water park didn't open on June 1.
Paul Edgington this week told SLRD directors the contractor, RecTec Industries, commenced construction May 2 but left on or about May 4 because they could not proceed past excavation without a permit from Vancouver Coastal Health.
His report to the board on July 25 referenced information he provided to a June 13 meeting of the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee, where he said, "The water park construction has been delayed because of the length of time required for issuance of a construction permit by Vancouver Coastal Health."
Edgington also pointed out that when the project received its permit, he got a positive message from Al LeBlanc, an alternate director for the regional district and a member of Pemberton council: "Good news Paul, sometimes one has to show one's frustration to get a point across."
Edgington has requested a meeting involving Vancouver Coastal Health, RecTec and the regional district to review the matter and the earliest that he can secure a meeting with the health authority is during the week of Aug. 15.
Dennis Bontron, the mayor of Lillooet and a director on the regional district board, said at the meeting that he has worked in private industry and that whether it's the regional district or a municipality, "every project seems to be delayed, so I don't think it's untoward."
Contract awarded for Sea to Sky Trail extension
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District also approved $57,412.60 for Squamish-based Dream Wizards Events Ltd. to complete the first phase of a Sea to Sky Trail extension in Pemberton.
The project, presented to the board by SLRD Open Spaces Coordinator Allison MacDonald, will see Dream Wizards realign an existing trail that was difficult in certain sections due to steep hills. The trail also had erosion and water issues, according to an SLRD staff report.
The first phase will see a 1.1-kilometre section constructed that will take users to the boundary of Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Construction of Phase 2 is expected to commence in the fall.
MacDonald said that the project was targeted to 35 contractors and posted on the Sea to Sky Trail's website. Five proposals were received in the end, with bids ranging from $24,000 to around $181,000 for the work.
Squamish Mayor Greg Gardner said at the meeting that he wished the report had included the bids from all contractors.
"We don't have anything to base this decision on," he said. "We have a template, but I don't have the scoring on the low bid versus the recommended bid."
MacDonald responded that that information isn't normally disclosed at a public meeting, but Gardner responded to her saying that he has been at council meetings where the vetting process for a contract has been public.
The board ultimately approved the bid from Dream Wizards and resolved to get a more complete report for the second phase.
