The wooden boardwalk at North Bay's waterfront marina is no more and with the approval of a $139,000 contract to Ed Seguin & Sons Trucking & Paving Ltd. by North Bay City Council, an accessible surface will take its place.
In consultation with the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC), the City of North Bay is recommending a hard paver surface instead of a wooden boardwalk. MAAC advises the wooden boardwalk made for a "bumpy, rough surface for wheelchairs and individuals without full mobility," and paving stones have a smooth surface that is more accessible.
The wooden boardwalk came out last fall and work is anticipated to begin this spring with the approval of the contract. According to the associated staff report, "The wooden structure had continuous rotting and failing boards that were becoming a safety issue for users. Parks staff spent several years replacing rotting boards but the damage was becoming too extensive. Heavy equipment needed to assist with the dock ramps was also required on the boardwalk and the wooden boardwalk was failing under the weight of this equipment."
Along with the accessibility improvements, the City sees the concrete pavers as a cost-effective, long-term solution to these issues. "The paving stones are well suited to a high traffic and tourism-focused area of the City. A wooden timber edge will be used to help tie into the feeling of the previous wooden boardwalk," per the report.
Three quotes were evaluated by the Purchasing Manager and the Parks Supervisor. The evaluation considered company ability, experience and price and, according to the City, the quote from Ed Seguin & Sons Trucking & Paving Ltd. was the lowest bid and provides the best overall value to the City. Their bid is considered fair and reasonable.
North Bay City Council will vote on the contract during Tuesday's regular meeting, beginning immediately following the 6:30 p.m. committee meeting.
