Mayor Dennis Bontron says Lillooet is undergoing a mini-construction boom that’s boosting the local economy.
“It’s the biggest game in town,” the mayor said. “We’ve got 24 gravel trucks going, and they’re all staying here and they’re all eating here.”
He was commenting on work currently underway on the District’s $10 million water project as well as million-dollar repairs and upgrades to Mountainview Road and the 14th Ave. storm drain system.
The average rule of thumb is that a person coming to Lillooet for work purposes spends approximately $200 a day. That breaks down $70 to $100 per night for a hotel room, $60 to $65 for meals ($15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $25 to $30 for dinner), plus additional expenses for fuel, lubricants and supplies for work vehicles, incidental items and evening entertainment.
Mayor Bontron made his comments at the conclusion of an Aug. 22 special meeting of council.
At that meeting, council voted to spend to a maximum of $50,000 from the Capital Asset Reserve Fund for road upgrades to 11th Ave. from Main Street to Church Lane.
Director of Public Works Steve Hohner reported the road structure, both paving and sub-grade, has failed and upgrade work is required immediately.
Councillor Greg deStrake questioned if the paved apron along the edge of the street will improve access for seniors to the Seniors Hall adjacent to St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
Hohner replied the paving would be wide enough to provide closer and smoother access to the steps at the hall entrance.
He said part of the project involves installing a catch basin to improve drainage in the area. 11th Ave was flooded this summer because of the overflow from the Town Creek flood along 9th Ave. and Main Street.
The special meeting was held so the District could piggyback the paving portion of the project onto other paving projects underway in town.
The work on 11th Ave. began at mid-week last week.
The T’it’q’et Community’s new $8 million health and community centre is also providing a welcome economic boost.
Architect Jennifer Marshall told the News T’it’q’et’s project will provide up to 20 carpentry and day labour jobs for the duration of the 15-month project, plus opportunities for skilled tradesmen in mechanical, electrical and other fields.
