A $680,000 redevelopment of 91原创 City鈥檚 McBurney Plaza will replace deteriorating wood planks with a new surface, composed of a combination of materials including concrete, to create a durable, non-slip surface, along with other upgrades.

Work began in November, and is expected to wrap up by February 2024.

The project was approved by in September following a report by City manager of engineering services Hirod Gill, who said the City identified the need to 鈥渞eplace [the] existing plaza鈥檚 wood decking as it was deteriorating and required constant maintenance by the City鈥檚 maintenance crews.鈥�

Gill said the construction package consists of installing new concrete pavers, concrete substructure, wood benches, tree planting and preservation measures.

Construction is permitted for 60 working days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, in compliance with the City鈥檚 noise bylaw.

鈥淭he City will maintain uninterrupted access at all times to pedestrians and local businesses fronting the plaza during the course of this project,鈥� Gill said.

Total budget is $679,781, including a 20 per cent contingency fund which chief administrative officer Francis Cheung advised council would be required, citing factors such as inflation, market pressures, shortage of materials, supply chain issues, and a lack of skilled workers 鈥� which increased construction costs by up to 40 per cent more than anticipated.

Cedar Crest Lands Ltd. won the contract with a low bid of $529,395, which was more than the City鈥檚 initially approved 2023 approved budget of $329,781.

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McBurney Lane was first closed to traffic in 1996 with some improvements and a major overhaul into a plaza was carried out in 2013.