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No more timelines for major construction projects in Edmonton?

Click to play video: 'Edmonton shying away from firm timelines on major projects'
Edmonton shying away from firm timelines on major projects
WATCH ABOVE: From bike lanes to affordable housing, it's been a busy week at city hall. Another issue that caught people's attention relates to accountability to taxpayers and city management now shying away from providing specific completion timelines for some future major projects. Vinesh Pratap reports – Sep 30, 2016

Edmonton’s city management is looking to move away from providing specific completion timelines for some major construction projects.

The news comes on the heels of a recent announcement the Walterdale Bridge project will be delayed again.

It was supposed to open in the fall of 2015, but has been delayed until mid-2017.

READ MORE: Walterdale Bridge opening delayed again, to mid-2017

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The manager of the city’s infrastructure services said some major projects make it difficult to provide detailed timelines.

“We need to recognize the complexity that comes with them, and that we set realistic or appropriate expectations,” Deputy city manager Adam Laughlin said.

READ MORE: 102 Avenue Bridge to open in August: City of Edmonton

Ward 11 Councillor Mike Nickel does not support a change. He argues a timeline is necessary.

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“Just from a commonsense perspective, you put timelines on construction projects. Otherwise, that just lends itself to overruns, abuse, excuse, and nonperformance,” Nickel said.

According to the city, 84 per cent of significant capital projects are on or ahead of schedule.

 

 

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