CitySSM

Essar Steel Algoma is asking for city council’s support in a trade dispute it has with both the province of BC and the Independent Contractors and Business Association.  In January of this year, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal established duties to apply to rebar imports from three countires and a regional exemption was also denied.  The Assocation and BC asked for a Public Interest Inquiry seeking the regional exemption and Essar Steel is asking our city to show support and file a notice to intervene.  Participation can be limited to written submissions and it must be done so by July 6th.

City council will be asked at Monday’s meeting to give its approval to a new three year contract agreement with the City’s transit mechanics.  Members of Steelworkers Local 22-51 ratified the proposed contract back on May 4th.  The proposed agreement calls for annual general wage increases of 1.48%.

It’s being recommended that Palmer Construction be awarded the contract to complete the reconstruction of Huron Street between Queen Street and Cathcart Street.  A report to city council explains Palmer submitted the lowest of three bids at 3.7-million dollars.  This is more than 600-thousand dollars over what had been allocated in the 2015 Construction Program budget.  Staff is further recommending that the city postpone the resurfacing of Bay Street from Andrew to Pim and use a portion of the 2015 allocation to cover the overrun on Huron Street.  The work on Huron Street is scheduled to get underway on May 26th until October 31st—-access to the Bridge Plaza will be maintained during the work.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is recommending that the new leash free dog park be named Strathclair Dog Park.  Council will consider the recommendation at Monday’s meeting.  An official opening ceremony for the leash free park is planned for June 4th at site adjacent to the Humane Society on 2nd Line east.