Menu

July 2019 UPDATE – Bridgwater Lakes Fountain

Jul 10, 2019

The City of Winnipeg requested Manitoba Housing (the developer) make final repairs to the Fountain before the City takes complete responsibly of all aspects of the fountain – see details: June 7, 2019 Update

The City has accepted the mechanical operations of the fountain but is waiting for Manitoba Housing to complete the upgrades to:

  • The uneven paving stones which present a tripping hazard (repairs are underway)
  • Ripped artificial turf on the inside of the fountain (this has been repaired)
  • Painting of the tall columns (this has been completed)

Regarding the paving stones:

The City of Winnipeg ensured Manitoba Housing’s contractor conducted ‘compaction testing’ BEFORE paving stones were reset.

  • Compaction testing ensure the base – the gravel –  is compacted to a specific compaction so that when it rains, or when water from fountain splashes on paving stones, the gravel does not sink, resulting in uneven paving stones (more tripping hazards)
  • Multiple compaction testing had to occur. Samples are drilled and sent to an independent lab for testing. This occurred multiple times  – Manitoba Housing’s contractor repacked base(gravel) and more testing occurred.

The compaction finally met the requirements –  and now Manitoba Housing’s contractor is starting to set the paving stones back in place.

This is incredibly frustrating I know – BUT – if Manitoba Housing – the developer – didn’t fix the compaction and tripping hazards – the City would have had to do the job at a cost to taxpayers. The development agreement contract with Manitoba Housing states they are responsible to ensure it is handed off in top condition.

I have not received a completion date from Manitoba Housing on when the paving stones will be set back in place. They know this is a huge issue.  I will add – Manitoba Housing is a division of the Province of Manitoba. They are not professional land developers SOLELY focused on developing communities, like professional land development companies: ie: – Ladco Co. (founded in 1919) or Qualico (founded over 60 yr ago). There are unique challenges for development companies whose primary focus is – not land development.