GUELPH/ERAMOSA ‒ Council has deferred spending over $100,000 on one of five proposed electronic signs until next summer in the hopes that prices may drop in the meantime.
Previously approved in 2022, the capital project suggests installing five digital signs at central locations across Guelph/Eramosa using a provincially-funded "modernization” grant to provide information about regular activities or during a future emergency.
The Marden Community Centre, the Rockwood Fire Hall, and Town Hall were among the locations suggested for electronic signage.
“The way I see it is there’s no panic here,” said Mayor Chris White. “I know the fire department would like a new sign…but that being said, we may be in a bit of a blip here with some of the costs of these items.”
While the project was initially set to start in 2022, challenges related to available supplies and contractors coming out of the pandemic delayed the project.
Approximately $523,143, the lowest of two bids received, both tenders proposed were approximately double the approved budget of $285,000 or $57,000 per sign.
But Coun. Corey Woods said that he doesn’t feel that the lowest proposed tender was a good price for five signs, let alone one.
“To me, $88,000 is a crazy price, even $57,000 is a crazy price,” said Woods. “So to now say that’s $104,000 a sign- that’s astronomically high.”
Having installed similar signs in 2019 for $88,000 a piece in Aboyne, contractors advised that current tender prices are approximately 50 per cent over the county price from four years ago but that the increase is not out of line with other tender prices following the pandemic.
Coun. Bruce Dickieson said that while he’s not against the sign, he felt taken advantage of by the proposed price.
“To me, it seems like we could spend the money somewhere else a lot more efficiently,” said Dickieson. “I realize COVID-19 put a wrench into supply chains but good grief that’s a lot of money for a sign.”
According to CAO Ian Roger, part of the rationale behind investing in an electronic sign at the fire hall is to reduce some difficulty the departments have had with emergency communications during significant weather events and other emergencies.
“Having the opportunity to provide messaging (outside the fire hall) is valuable and potentially life-saving,” said Roger. “It’s an opportunity aside from just public education messaging and township messaging for some more emergency-style messaging as well.”
White agreed, maintaining that he doesn't believe the normal signs are workable anymore, especially during the winter months.
“If the price isn’t collapsing, then we’re going to figure out how to do this,” said White. “I think long-term, it minimum would be nice to have an electronic presence in Marden."
Woods suggested that staff speak to the county about sharing their electronic sign outside the library to save money and maximize efficiency in the long run.
Deferring the decision to next summer, staff will also reach out to the county for cost-sharing opportunities.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
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