Recent History – 2005
By Gary Rusak
Roadwork on 8th Street is meant to create a green space in the middle of the busy road, Mayor Wayne Dahlen said on Monday.
“It is part of our 8th Street beautification treatment program that we entered into last year in partnership with (the Ministry of Highways),” the mayor said after the regular meeting of city council.
“Over the years because of the accumulation of gravel and sand on the median nothing was growing in there. The decision was made to dig it out and put in some fresh soil and turf it.”
John Malcolm, deputy administrative officer, said that city crews are busy excavating the gravel and stone chips out of the median and will be putting down a soil mixture to facilitate the new greenery.
“It is to make it a better and more beautiful part of our streets,” said Malcolm.
The upgrades will also include a higher concrete curb on either side of the medians to prevent trucks from driving over the grass.
“We are also going to irrigate it, so there will be a sprinkler system there,” said Dahlen. “It will be nice and fresh and green all summer long.”
According to Malcolm, both the Boulevard Maintenance Fund and an irrigation fund will by used to pay for the entire project.
“It is Fair Share money at work, indirectly,” said Dahlen.