The next step in the Huron Street Reconstruction Project could start in November or December.
Phase two of the project will reconstruct Huron Street from John Street to Matilda Street, upgrading the storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, asphalt roadway, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street light illumination at intersections, and the Foreman Avenue signalized intersection infrastructure.
City council received a report on the initiative by project engineer Nathan Bottema at Monday’s meeting.
Mayor Martin Ritsma said there was little discussion.
“I think council appreciates that it went really well in Phase one. There wasn’t much negative feedback on phase one in regards to servicing and parking,” said Ritsma.
“They said staff has done their homework and job, phase two will be a continuation of that good work, so as a result there wasn’t much conversation. They saw that report as another good continuation of the project.”
He said once designs of the project are tweaked, they can move directly to construction tendering.
“If it goes to tender at this time of year, we would get some good bids because it’s a 2026-2027 budget,” said Ritsma.
“Sometimes if we go to tender too late, people have already queued up their work for one to two years and then you get less bids. This would be a more competitive bid because it’s getting out there to contractors that can do this work.”
While the process is fairly quick, he added that the sooner they get it out there, the more it’s available to contractors.
They expect to finish reconstruction in the summer of 2027.
The report also focused on feedback of the project from a virtual open house and questionnaire, which pointed to concerns about business access, parking availability during construction, current water pressure, and the steepness of existing driveways.
Ritsma said any concerns can be directed to the staff behind the project.
