Front Street Parkade rehabilitation work scheduled to begin May 25, 2015

New Westminster, BC – Rehabilitation work on the eastern portion of the Front Street Parkade is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 25, 2015.  The City of New Westminster has awarded the project contract to Deramore Construction Services Inc. following an invitation to tender for the demolition of the western portion of the Front Street Parkade and the rehabilitation of the remaining eastern portion. Deramore is a general contracting firm with headquarters in Abbotsford, B.C. which has successfully completed heavy construction projects in Canada and the U.S., including the View Royal public parkade construction in Victoria, B.C.

“I am glad to see that work is now beginning on what has been a long-discussed endeavour by the City of New Westminster,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté.  “Our vision to improve access and connectivity to the waterfront, esplanade and Westminster Pier Park, along with delivering enhancements to create an overall improved experience in the area is now finally being realized. The work on the Front Street Parkade is an important first step in achieving this goal.”

Starting on May 25^th, the eastern portion of the parkade will be closed to all vehicles. Parking will be restricted to the western portion of the parkade with access via the Sixth Street entrance and McKenzie Street exit. Rehabilitation work has been scheduled to take place prior to deconstruction to ensure that a supply of parking remains throughout the construction period. Pedestrian access to the Fourth Street Overpass will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. 

The contract is scheduled to be approximately ten months in duration, barring unforeseen circumstances. In accordance with the contract tender requirements, pedestrian access on Front Street will be maintained at all times for the duration of the project and businesses along Front Street will remain open. Front Street and the existing frontage road will be closed to traffic in the latter stages of the project when the western portion of the parkade is deconstructed. The City of New Westminster will work closely with the contractor to ensure that every effort is made to reduce construction noise, dust and vibrations by following construction best practices and techniques, adhering to City bylaws, and scheduling disruptive tasks during appropriate times.

“The City of New Westminster recently endorsed a Good Neighbour Protocol, which outlines policies and best practices for minimizing disruptions to surrounding businesses and residents during City-led construction projects,” said Blair Fryer, Communications and Economic Development Manager for the City of New Westminster. “This project will see the implementation of this protocol and we will continue to work in partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Association to ensure that businesses, residents and other community stakeholders are well informed of project timelines and potential impacts.”

Regular project updates and notifications will be provided through the City of New Westminster website, Citypage and Citypage Online, advertising in local newspapers, social media including Facebook and Twitter, and street signage.

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Contact:

Blair Fryer
Communications and Economic Development Manager
City of New Westminster
or 604.527.4688

Catalin Dobrescu
Utilities and Special Projects Engineer
City of New Westminster
or 604.527.4595