Vernon’s infrastructure costs decline slightly

Jun 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM

The costs of materials to repair and replace critical infrastructure in Vernon have declined.

A report to Vernon city council Monday, June 10, stated the costs decreased by 0.6 per cent from 2023 to 2024.

Rhys Francis, Vernon’s Infrastructure Management Technician, told council the cost for asphalt had gone up 16 per cent, with a 66 per cent jump for curb and gutter concrete.

However, those were offset by a decline of 17 per cent in base material costs, and sub-base gravel costs dropping by 10 per cent.

Rhys added other work was done to mitigate cost escalations, including conducting regular inspections to assess area roads; investigating alternate methods of construction, including the micro-surfacing asphalt pilot work done in Vernon last year to extend the lifespan of roads; and using different methods in the tendering process.

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Though down by just 0.6 per cent annually, the decrease marked an improvement from 2023 when costs rose by six per cent from the previous year.

Council received the report for information Monday.

“[Costs decreased by] just the thickness of a dime, very thin, but at least it isn’t going up, so that’s very good,” Mayor Victor Cumming told Vernon Matters.

The city began tracking construction cost escalation on infrastructure work in 2014. Over that period, costs have shot-up by 126 per cent.

City staff will also be compiling an organizational asset management plan, which will be presented to council in September.

by Liam Verster

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