Brock approves gravel road upgrade plan

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: Local councillors recently approved a major investment in Brock's gravel road network, awarding a $525,390.55 contract to Robert E Young Construction Ltd. This, following a report presented by the Capital Projects Coordinator, James Peitos, at the Monday, April 14th council meeting.

The project, involving the delivery and spreading of over 33,000 tonnes of gravel, across the municipality, is funded through the Township's 2025 Gravel Road Program. The program combines $375,000 in deferred 2024 funding with $500,000 allocated in this year's budget, bringing the total to $875,000.

The tender closed on March 21st and attracted three submissions. Robert E Young Construction Ltd. was the lowest bidder at $516,303.60, excluding HST. The contract includes an additional road section valued at $160,476.87, bringing the total project cost, including contingency and testing, to approximately $795,046.02. After expenses, about $79,954 will remain in the gravel program budget. This will be returned to reserves for future projects.

In his report, Mr. Peitos noted, Township staff will spread the gravel to a depth of 10 centimetres, a detail Mayor Walter Schummer highlighted in a public statement. "One critical piece of information received was that the gravel will be placed to a depth of 10 cm. I confirmed with our Director of Works, this is the required depth," said Mayor Schummer. "In the past, this depth of gravel placement has not always occurred, which has, no doubt, led to problems on some of our concessions and side roads. Gravel may have well been reduced in the attempt to have more roads treated, but this does not serve our residents well. What should be done is a proper allocation on roads most in need, not an attempt to make as many people happy as possible or as many members of council happy."

As part of the project, gravel will be applied to several key routes, including: Brock Road, from Concession 9(B) to Concession 10(B); Concession 2(B), from Side Road 17 to the dead end; Concession 5(B), from Simcoe Street to Side Road 18; Concession 2(B), from Side Road 17 to R.R. 2 Simcoe; Concession 9(B), from Highway 12 to Side Road 17; Side Road 18, from Highway 7 to Concession 9(B); and Concession 7(B), from Highway 12 to Side Road 17A. A total of 33,039 tonnes of gravel will be used, including 1,500 tonnes already delivered, to the Sunderland depot for spring maintenance.

Mayor Schummer also emphasized the importance of quality control. "The gravel the Township receives will also be tested for quality. This testing will take place at both the pit and at the site of application." An estimated $10,000 has been set aside for geotechnical testing.

Mr. Peitos noted, maintaining gravel roads is essential for road safety, proper drainage, and climate resilience, especially as weather conditions become more unpredictable. Communications staff will share details of the gravel program through the Township's e-newsletter and social media channels. Council also authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute the contract with Robert E Young Construction Ltd.

"This does not include any of the work continuing as part of the Township's four-year road rehab program," added Mayor Schummer. "But this gravel program is a critical part of how we ensure safe, accessible rural roads for our residents."