New plans for Picton’s Main Street Rehabilitation Project

By Taylor Broderick

BELLEVILLE – Prince Edward County issued a new request for tenders for the Picton Main Street Rehabilitation Project on Thursday.

The revised request for tenders (a formal bid by companies to supply products or services) is necessary to keep the project from going over its original estimated cost of $2.8 million. All the tenders received in the first round were significantly higher than that estimate, according to the county.

The start date of the project won’t be confirmed until the tender is awarded, but the county is aiming to start in early spring.

Robert McAuley, the county’s commissioner of engineering, development and works, says postponing the project has given his team more time to work with the Picton Business Improvement Association to help keep residents and businesses informed about the project.

“We are looking forward to receiving and evaluating proposals that will help us assess potential opportunities to reduce project impacts on the downtown core,” he said.

The county has committed itself to avoiding serious disruption in the downtown area in order to keep things running smoothly for local businesses and residents, according to a media release from Mayor Robert Quaiff’s office.

The project will include the replacement of curbs, sidewalks and lighting in Picton’s downtown area. From Chapel Street to Bridge Street, water mains, service connections and sanitary and storm sewers will be upgraded.