The city has been given the go-ahead from the province to move forward with reconstruction of
The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has ruled that a higher level of environmental assessment is not needed before the next steps are taken, the city said in a news release Tuesday.
“We’re very pleased Minister Murray is satisfied with the level of environmental assessment we’ve undertaken to thoroughly study the Niska Road area and fully understand our community’s concerns,” said Kealy Dedman, the City’s General Manager and City Engineer, in the release.
“We’re now ready to proceed with the much needed improvements to
Originally approved by council in December, 2015, it was put on hold when concerned citizens who appealed for a more intensive and higher level of assessment—more environmental studies and community consultation—than was already completed and planned.
“It is unfortunate that we’ve lost two construction seasons while awaiting this decision initiated by the Part II Order requests. I believe I speak for many within the community, especially now that the bridge has been closed due to safety concerns, that I’m glad that we can finally move forward," said Mayor Cam Guthrie in the release.
The next steps for the project include conducting the HIA to inform the design for the
The Niska Road bridge was closed at the end of February due to safety concerns about its condition and vulnerability to further deterioration from high spring water levels. The bridge will remain closed until construction of the new bridge is complete in 2019.
The estimated cost for the recommended improvements to the road is approximately $2.1 million and the bridge is $2.4 million.
