This local municipality has proposed a solution to skyrocketing gravel costs – paving more roads.
West Perth officials are contemplating the shift as of a meeting on May 6th.
A proposed three-year contract for the supply, hauling, and application of gravel on municipal roads surpassed the budget allocated, and projections for the subsequent years showed increases in materials and carbon tax costs, prompting concerns.
Deputy Mayor Dean Trentowsky raised the question of whether it might be more economically viable to explore the option of applying asphalt to rural roads instead.
Mayor Walter McKenzie highlighted the perennial debate surrounding gravel usage among rural ratepayers, noting that while complaints in the past centered on excessive gravel application, a reevaluation might be warranted now.
While the decision to pave more rural roads remains under consideration, the municipality is actively exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the impact of rising gravel costs on its infrastructure maintenance budget.
Written by: B. Shakyaver