The cost of Fenwick’s downtown revitalization project has increased by $90,000.
The additional cost covers soil remediation. It included the removal and replacement of soil contaminated by seepage from service stations in the downtown area over the years.
It raises the total bill to $4,297,140 for the reconstruction council was told at its Monday meeting.
The work includes rebuilding downtown streets, replacing water and sewer lines, burying power lines, putting in new sidewalks, laying down brickwork and repaving stretches of Canboro Road, Maple Street and Church Street.
Ward 2 Coun. Gary Accursi suggested the town apply to Niagara Region for a share of its brownfield rehabilitation fund. The region provides grants to companies that restore property contaminated by industrial use such as old factory sites.
Chief Administrative Officer Darren Ottaway said staff will try but doubts the town would qualify.
Public Works Director Alan Mannell said work in Fenwick will wrap for the winter in the next few days. It will pick up again in the spring. Still to come are new hydro poles to replace those now holding streetlights.
The new underground electrical work, a major part of the project, is now connected to downtown businesses and residences, he said.
