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
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.
“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.