Stettler County's Gadsby Drainage Project has taken another step forward with the awarding of the tender to Stettler's Action Plumbing. The decision was made during the June 25 council meeting.
The project has been on the County's radar for some time; in March 2021, the County commissioned MPE Engineering to complete a Master Drainage Plan for the hamlet.
With the drainage plan now complete, MPE Engineering posted a tender for bidding on May 9 to conduct the necessary construction.
After the tender had closed on June 5, 2025, three bids for the work had been received, ranging in price from just under $297,000 to just under $972,000.
County of Stettler Director of Operations Greg Jackson noted that he was "aware of the pricing discrepancy" between the low bid and the higher-priced ones; however, having worked with Action Plumbing in the past, he had confidence that the project was appropriately costed. Jackson did note that upon awarding of the contract, he would have a conversation with them to ensure that they were aware of the full scope of the project.
"I hate to see us award it and end up being close to the same (as the others) once changeovers (are accounted for)," said Coun. Justin Stevens.
Chief Administrative Officer Yvette Cassidy noted that she was "confident" in the vendor and that by choosing the lower bid, the County will have extra grant funds to use in the hamlet.
"This gives us a bit of leeway," said Cassidy.
