Dear editor,
I read the article by Erin Haluschak regarding the award of the new maintenance contract to Mainroad Services (New road maintenance contract awarded, Aug. 28, page A7)
The local CVRD rep, Mr. Rod Nichol was quoted, without any opportunity for a response from us as the contractor for the past 15 years. I found that very unprofessional as a journalistic endeavour. I would have hoped you would have done some investigation on the matter rather than simply providing one-sided comments.
I can advise that the Ministry of Transportation has indeed made changes to the Winter Specifications, with a goal to increase the service level for travellers on the highway system. There are few if any changes to the annual “capital works” or quantified plan that will be available to deal with the infrastructure issues raised by Mr. Nichol. It will not, in fact, matter whom the contractor is as there is in fact a financial limit placed within the contract. BC is not alone in attempting to manage a ever growing deficiency in infrastructure spending. Governments of all political stripes attempt to balance public demand for services with budgetary constraints. I want to advise all your readers that our crews were and are a dedicated group of employees, at all times trying to achieve the best outcomes for the users of the highway system. I am saddened that we were not successful in renewing the highway maintenance contract, and have worked to make the transition to Mainroad as smooth as possible.
I wish them well in their contract term.
Frank Rizzardo,
President, Emcon Services
Merritt , BC