Additional College Street and OVRT crossing work proposed as Carleton Place road construction plans expand
Carleton Place is set to stretch its 2026 road construction dollars a little further after receiving better than expected pricing on this year’s road program tender.
Carleton Place council had approved $2.7 million in road works for the 2026 season, but the tenders came in considerably under budget at $1.63 million, leaving the town with a $744,869.16 surplus.
“What I’m asking for this evening is roughly $150,000 of those surplus funds so that we can do two more sections of road,” Bourgon told committee.
The additional projects proposed include College Street from Bridge Street to Victoria Street, as well as a short stretch of Rosamond Street where it crosses the OVRT between Bell Street and Rosamond Street. Bourgon described the Rosamond crossing as being “in very bad shape.”
Work on College Street will include curb and sidewalk repairs, removal of existing asphalt, installation of new granular material and two fresh lifts of asphalt. The Rosamond work will focus on rebuilding the road surface and base.
Council members agreed that doing more is a good idea.
“This just makes sense if prices are favourable this year to do a little bit more,” said Councillor Dena Comley.
She also asked whether the town could prepare additional roads in advance for future construction seasons ahead of time.
“My understanding is we picked these streets because these are the ones we have existing data for and know the substrate conditions,” she said.
Bourgon confirmed that was the case, explaining the town needs detailed information about underground conditions, utilities and drainage before roads can be added to reconstruction plans.
“What I’ll be doing is increasing the budget for the surveys and for obtaining geotechnical information,” Bourgon said. “You’ll see that in your next upcoming budget so that we can do a little bit more advanced preparation.”
Mayor Toby Randell supported the idea, calling it “well worth our expenditure” if it allows the town to capitalize on good pricing in future years. He also raised concerns about the condition of other OVRT crossings, noting Albert Street appears worn as well.
Bourgon said the Rosamond crossing was singled out because of its deteriorated condition and concerns raised by the road superintendent.
“Otherwise, we would have had to do some severe patching on it,” he said, adding other crossings are included in the town’s 10 year road plan.
Council is expected to formally approve the additional roadwork at the next council meeting.
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