Re. “Coquitlam city council is wasting our money on ‘fluff’” (The Tri-City News, April 5)
The Editor,
The city of Coquitlam shares the writer’s concern about the responsible use of public funds, not just now but at all times.
In this case, the Como Lake Avenue median work is part of the Hillcrest/Como Lake Avenue Greenway Project, with a significant portion of the cost covered by TransLink grant funding.
The contract was finalized and the work planned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While making every effort to protect the health of the workers and the public, it is important that the city continues the capital and infrastructure projects that were already approved and in progress to avoid additional contract fees.
The multi-use path was completed last year, but the median replacement was deferred due to the Fortis pipeline project. By coordinating with FortisBC, about 600 metres of old concrete median was replaced with upgraded curbing, gutters and space for landscaping, based on our specifications, and this work was done at no cost to the City.
To avoid unnecessary work and expense, the median was purposely left unfinished at that time, with a temporary gravel bed in the area to be planted. The approved work we are seeing now is the completion of that project, and includes landscaping (mainly shrubs, and five trees in one section), irrigation and new catchbasins to improve stormwater collection on the roadway.
All city crews are being advised to ensure they are complying with all public health orders and protocols. We’ve also made it clear to contractors and construction companies working here that we expect the same high standards from them.
Peter Steblin is the city manager at the city of Coquitlam.
