TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 06, 2026 Report No. EPW-26-006
TO: Council
FROM: Charles Davie, Manager of Engineering
SUBJECT: Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades - Construction Contract Award
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council award a construction contract (ENG #26-02), including provisional items and future change orders within the approved budget, to Sparker Construction Ltd. in the amount of $561,519.52, for Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades, as described in Staff Report EPW-26-006.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this report is to award a construction contract for the Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades project, which consists of multiple segments intended to complete a continuous sidewalk route from Lyall Street south to Munro Street.
BACKGROUND:
The Kinver Street, Swinford Street and Heald Avenue Sidewalk Upgrades project is a short-term priority project identified in the Township’s Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) to fill a sidewalk gap within the Township’s pedestrian network to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity.
The project will construct new curb and sidewalk infrastructure along the east side of Kinver Street, north side of Heald Avenue and the east side of Swinford Street to create a continuous pedestrian route between Lyall Street and Munro Street.
On May 25, 2026, an invitation to tender was posted for the project. Design drawings are attached as Attachment 1, with key elements listed below:
- New concrete sidewalk along Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street
- New curb, gutter, boulevard and driveway crossings
- Drainage improvements (internally completed by Public Works) and associated utility adjustments
- Select roadway paving
- Boulevard reinstatement
- Accessibility improvements including curb ramps and pedestrian crossing
Tender Summary
The tender closed on June 17, 2026. The following is a summary of the two bids received:
Bidder Total Bid Amount (excludes GST)
Hazelwood Construction Services Inc. $581,870.00
Sparker Construction Ltd. $561,519.52
The bids were reviewed by our consultant and staff for requirements and accuracy. The two bids meet the requirements of the tender, with Sparker Construction Ltd. being the low bidder. Sparker Construction Ltd will be the only bid listed for the remainder of this report.
Below is a breakdown of the budget compared to the total costs using the low bid. Total project costs include consultant fees (design, construction administration and inspection) as well as archeological and internal Township costs in addition to the construction bid amount. Contingency is not included and is expected to be used from the difference between budget and projected costs.
Project # Funding Source Budget Total Project Costs
Project 1 Capital Projects Reserve Funds $850,000.00 $ 607,571.12
ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend awarding the contract to the low bidder Sparker Construction Ltd. for the Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades project.
This project completes a priority short term project on the Township's ATNP and will infill a key missing section of sidewalk infrastructure within the Township's pedestrian network.
The low bidder is within the approved budget and allows for sufficient contingency during construction.
If awarded, construction is anticipated to commence in Summer 2026 with substantial completion in late Summer 2026.
Environmental Impact:
The project supports the Township's Active Transportation Network Plan by completing a priority sidewalk connection identified through the ATNP process. The improvements will enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity while supporting walking as an alternative transportation mode.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council award a construction contract (ENG #26-02), provisional items and future change orders within the approved budget, to Sparker Construction Ltd. in the amount of $561,519.52, for Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades, as described in Staff Report EPW-26-006.
2. That Council request additional information from staff.
3. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged & Healthy Community - Implement Active Transportation Network Plan
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The 2026-2030 Financial Plan includes an approved budget of $843,197 (originally $850,000) for the Kinver Street, Heald Avenue and Swinford Street Sidewalk Upgrades project. As of May 31, 2026, the available project budget is $815,851.84 due to consultant expenditures and internal project costs incurred to date. The low bid submitted by Sparker Construction Ltd. is $561,519.52 excluding GST. The project budget is sufficient to cover construction costs, project contingencies as well as outstanding consultant fees for construction administration and inspection.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Communications during construction will be managed by staff and the contractor. Staff will issue a construction letter to all residents along the corridor in advance of construction to explain the project and impacts. The contractor will be required to notify residents during construction of traffic, driveway and pedestrian impacts. Staff will utilize social media and the Township’s website where necessary to communicate significant impacts.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
The next step in this project is issuance of a notice of award pending Council approval. Substantial completion for the construction phase is currently identified as September 4, 2026.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Joel Clary, Director of Engineering & Public Works, Reviewed
2. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
3. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
4. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Design Drawings