WEYBURN – City council has greenlit the Highway 39 culvert replacement project, set to begin this construction season, despite costs exceeding initial estimates by $282,000. The city’s share now stands at $882,000 with the overage to be paid in the 2026 fiscal year, requiring pre-approval in next year’s budget.
During Monday’s council meeting, Director of Engineering Renée Cugnet confirmed the increased expense, attributing it to rising material and labour costs. The project, initially estimated at $809,000 (with the city responsible for $600,000), saw bids come in at $1.26 million, a significant jump.
Coun. Kellie Sidloski expressed concern over the discrepancy. Cugnet clarified that as the overall project cost increased, so did the city’s proportional payment.
Mayor Jeff Richards acknowledged the financial strain but said that post-pandemic economic instability has made accurate budgeting difficult.
“Until we get our economies settled down, and we get better at doing more of these kinds of projects, being out might be the nature of the beast, although unacceptable,” he said, promising to raise the issue at the next Mayor’s Caucus meeting.
Coun. Laura Morrissette asked about the project’s timeline and potential disruptions. Cugnet said the work would begin this season, extending into winter, with completion expected by early 2026.
Most construction will involve boring under Highway 39 to minimize traffic delays, though localized restrictions on 1st Avenue South are expected during open-cut work.
Coun. Ryan Janke asked if the floodplain drainage would be properly managed. Cugnet said contingency plans were in place, with work scheduled during drier months where possible.
Coun. John Corrigan asked if the province tendered the project out or did the city.
Cugnet said the province handled the design, tendering, and construction oversight, leaving the city responsible only for its financial share.
The culvert, failing since its 2022 identification, posed risks to both Highway 39 and city infrastructure. A partnership with the Ministry of Highways under the Urban Highway Connector Program assigned the city 30 per cent of costs within the highway right-of-way and full responsibility for the portion on city property.
With bids exceeding forecasts due to specialized 3000 mm manhole and flood gate expenses, council ultimately approved moving forward.
