Council hears Banting Drive rehabilitation plan and preliminary $1.22M 2024 surplus

Deep River staff told council on Sept. 10 that Renford County has approved assuming Banting Drive into the county road network provided the town upgrades the route to county standards. Public works recommended allocating approximately $50,000 to $100,000 for design and tendering this year, with construction targeted for 2026; the final construction cost will be determined through tendering and the town will consider the project in the 2026 capital budget.

Public works emphasized the design phase will clarify required pavement lifts, ditching and shoulder work to meet county standards and that the town is not committing to construction costs beyond approving design and tendering. Staff noted early tendering can produce competitive pricing and that grant opportunities and scheduling with other nearby projects (including MTO works on Highway 17) are factors.

Separately, the director of finance, Elaine Taylor, presented preliminary draft 2024 financial statements showing a $1.22 million surplus and recommended transfers to reserves. If transfers proceed as proposed the town’s reserves would total approximately $5.7 million. Taylor explained the figures will be included in the audited financial statements and that transfers are typical year‑end accounting steps; the audited statements and any required adjustments remain subject to the upcoming audit process.

Council approved proceeding with the design step for Banting Drive and received the finance report; final capital approval and any construction funding will come through the capital budget process after tendering and further council consideration.