City of Winnipeg proceeding with street renewals, water & waste projects

MHCA has joined with six other business organizations in a Winnipeg Construction Association letter sent jointly to Mayor Brian Bowman and Premier Brian Pallister, encouraging both levels of government to proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic with design, tenders and awards for the 2020 construction season.

In discussions with the partner associations and the city administration Thursday, MHCA was assured Winnipeg will advertise its tenders as planned.

City contracts will be amended to insert a delay clause, in the event the pandemic prevents the start or delays a project. Click here to see the Schedule Delays Clause and here for the construction contracts (tenders).

The Water & Waste tender ad schedule should be received by mid-next week.

In addition, the MHCA and other partner associations sought city and provincial undertaking that they will consider construction as an “essential service” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A letter emailed to Premier Pallister March 25, endorsed by MHCA, Merit Contractors of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Construction Association encouraged the following:

1. Continue procurement process – design, tender, contract award
2. Declare the ICI and HCI essential services
3. Ensure COVID 19 safety protocols are updated and consistent with directions from the provincial chief medical health officer
4. The prime contractor shall undertake a COVID-19 exposure risk assessment prior to the start of and during any project  
5. Communicate with the public that these directions are outcomes of collaboration to help provide some comfort to the public

MHCA believes there is good internal political and administrative support for the above approach.

The same was raised with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

MHCA will keep you updated on developments.