The Town of Stettler Council has greenlit more than $1.3 million in infrastructure spending, awarding two contracts to Sylvan Lake-based Urban Dirtworks Inc. during its April 21 meeting.
The approvals pave the way for water & wastewater upgrades on 52 Avenue & across several downtown corridors, despite rising costs that have pushed some projects beyond initial budget estimates.
52 Avenue Upgrades
Council voted 7-0 to award the 52 Avenue project tender to Urban Dirtworks for a bid of $327,502.
The project, which covers water & sewer construction between 42 & 44 Streets, saw four competitive bids ranging up to nearly $500,000.
While the construction bid fell under the $350,000 estimate, the total project cost, including engineering & a 10 percent contingency is expected to reach $397,597.
During the meeting, Coun. Dusty Myshrall questioned how a Sylvan Lake-based firm could outcompete local bidders.
Administration noted that Urban Dirtworks secured the highest score on the town’s tender matrix, which evaluates factors such as experience & capacity.
2026 Utility Replacement Package
A second, larger contract for the 2026 utility replacement program was also awarded to Urban Dirtworks.
The firm’s bid of $769,401 was the lowest of five compliant submissions.
The scope of work includes:
- Watermain & wastewater replacements on 50 Avenue (50-52 Street).
- Alley wastewater replacement at Highway 56 & 51 Avenue.
The total projected expenditure stands at $926,897, up from the $720,000 capital budget.
Administration informed the council that the shortfall would be covered through the broader 2026 capital budget.
Town officials noted they had delayed the 50 Avenue water project last year in hopes of securing lower bids in 2026.
Tagish Engineering will oversee both projects, while work on the 52 Avenue project & additional replacement projects is expected to start in late spring to early summer.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
