Interpaving, one of the most prominent companies when it comes to road repair and construction in Greater Sudbury, has been barred from bidding on city contracts for five years.
The move comes in the wake of a fatal accident in September 2015 in the city’s downtown core where a woman was killed when she was struck by a construction grader. Interpaving was the contractor working on Elgin Street when the tragedy occurred.
Sources told Sudbury.com said the decision is in effect for five years. In an April 18 statement, the City of Greater Sudbury confirmed its decision, but said little else about the reasons.
“The city has decided to remove Interpaving’s ability to submit bids on city projects, effective immediately,” the release said. “The city has the authority to do this under Section 37 of the purchasing bylaw, which allows the city to exclude a bidder or supplier from eligibility for a number of reasons. This is a legal matter, and we cannot provide further comment.”
While the decision affects Interpaving's ability to bid on future work, the city said in its statement it “expects that all contracts that have already been started will be finished under the terms and conditions of the contracts in place.”
In a statement, Interpaving said it opposes the decision
“As we can all appreciate, the tragic accident that occurred in September on the Elgin Street project with the city has put a strain on the relationship between city staff and Interpaving,” the statement said. “We are in dialogue with city staff to try to address the issues and improve the relationship.
“That said, we disagree with the city's decision and especially how it was reached. We have engaged in discussions to try to resolve this matter and we hope that we can reach a reasonable resolution. However, if necessary Interpaving will explore all other options available.”
The company also said it will have no further comment.
The move comes as the city heads into the road construction season, with many projects planned this year. That includes road work on Second Avenue worth $6.6 million, work on MR35 worth $6.2 million and Lorne Street, worth $5.5 million.
The city also plans to begin work this year on the $80.1 million Maley Drive extension project.
