A $3.87-million contract is expected to be awarded to Whistler Excavations Ltd. to upgrade the Squamish River Dike by the Upper Judd Slough.
"It's been identified as the highest priority dike upgrade in our Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan," said David Roulston, municipal infrastructure manager at the District of Squamish.
"The project will entail upgrades of one kilometre of dike between the Aik'wucks Reserve and the and the Wai'wakum Reserve."
An information report also said that there would be "significant consequences" should there be a failure in that area.
Municipal council approved the tender on Oct. 23.
However, the project still needs approval from the provincial inspector of dikes and the Squamish Nation. A response is expected from the Nation by Nov. 5.
"At the moment, the dike crest is up to 1.5 metres below the provincial standard and lacks proper erosion protection for roughly 1.2 kilometres," the report reads.
As a result, the construction will raise and widen the dike. Crews will add rip-rap erosion protection.
District-owned gravel will be used for the project, and there will be a significant truck traffic — more than 8,000 trips — between Lot 69 and the construction site during the project.
This upgrade was recommended by the District's Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan.
Federal funding will be footing the bill for this project.
The District received a $3.9-million grant from the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund to finish this project by July 2019.
Whistler Excavations beat out its two other competitors to give the District the lowest bid.
The second most favourable offer was from Eagle Rock Construction at $3.99 million. The third-most was IWC Excavation Ltd. at $6.47 million.
