The Town of Hanna council heard one of its summer construction projects may be delayed into 2026. The report was made at the Aug. 27 information meeting.

Readers should note information meetings are usually held for reports and updates and important council resolutions usually reserved for the next regular council meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn gave councillors a verbal update on the Pioneer Trail and Palliser Trail construction project, specifically the Pioneer project. Norburn noted after a recent meeting with the contractor it appears completion could be delayed to spring, 2026.

Pioneer Trail, on the east side of Hanna, includes a bridge portion. Norburn noted the biggest cause of delay was replacement of the bridge which apparently cannot currently be done because of migratory birds in the area.

The CAO stated this complication has pushed back completion dates with the contractor now feeling some parts of the project would be completed in mid to late Nov.

Norburn observed the question now is whether the contractor can pave that road in mid to late Nov. “They don’t want to leave it gravel over the winter,” said Norburn. He noted that during discussions it was suggested that a base coating could be done in Nov. and leave the rest of the paving to 2026.

The CAO stated he hoped there would be another meeting with the contractor so a further update could be provided to council by their next regular meeting.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk asked if the project was left for completion in 2026, would the taxpayers face increased costs for the contractor having to move all their equipment back?

Norburn responded it seems possible. “There was a yes and a no,” said Norburn, adding that very question was put to the contractor. The CAO stated the contractor and engineers are examining that issue right now. “It’s up in the air right now,” said the CAO.

Coun. Sandra Murphy asked why the contractor wasn’t aware of how migratory birds can complicate bridge projects at this time of year.

Norburn answered that the Town of Hanna asked the contractors that question and wanted to know why the project wasn’t started earlier in the year. Norburn explained the contractor was informed the Town of Hanna is unhappy with this development.

Readers should note the Pioneer/Palliser project was tendered in an open bid process earlier this year; according to ConstructConnect’s website the bidding was to be completed by May 15, 2025.

Councillors accepted the CAO’s update on Pioneer Trail as information.