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Annex dike work contract awarded
By Erin Knutson
City of Fernie council awarded McElhanney Ltd. a $249,948 consulting contract to upgrade the Annex Dike based on its merit and high ranking on an evaluation study, following consideration at its Monday (Apr. 12) meeting.
“McElhanney Ltd. will provide its consulting services for the Annex Dike Improvement Project once funding for the program has been finalized,” said Municipal Engineer Jenny Weir.
Following a flood hazard identification in the 2019 Flood Mitigation Plan, the city applied for the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) and the Adaptation, Resilience, and Disaster Mitigation (ARDM) program to complete the project.
Upgrades would repair and fortify the structure to reduce the risk of flooding to surrounding properties in Fernie.
“Flood protection for the Annex Dike is low, potentially allowing high Elk River water levels to enter the city and flood the surrounding area,” said Weir’s report.
The Annex upgrades were recognized as a high priority with the dike’s current status.
According to Weir’s recommendations to council, the upgrades would make for a safer and more resilient Fernie.
The consulting firm will oversee the project, including preparatory measures and detailed engineering designs before Fernie moves ahead with improvements to the Annex.
“I want to recognize the work of Ms. Weir, chasing these grants to make Fernie flood resilient – it’s off the side of a COVID-19 impacted desk and everything else that’s happening to the organization, and we’re thankful for that,” said Mayor Ange Qualizza.
e-KNOW file photo
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