City council has approved $850,000 to replace a “critical” vehicle in the city fleet.
At 18 years old, the city’s current vac-truck is non-operational and irreparable, and has been out of service since mid-July, city staff said at Monday’s council meeting.
The vehicle is relied on for a variety of operations, such as excavating for infrastructure repairs, removing sewage, and flushing culverts. Staff requested pre-approval on the funds for the new vehicle, which was originally slated for replacement through the 2025 capital budget.
“Staff have explored other options, including sharing equipment with neighbouring municipalities and outsourcing this work,” said Cheryl Remm, director of facilities, climate change and operations. “Our request is to advance the purchase of a vac-truck, as well as rent one until the new equipment arrives.”
With the new vehicle expected to be delivered next year, council also approved $45,000 to rent a vac-truck in the interim.
During discussion, Coun. Ralph Cipolla asked what the difference in price is to rent or purchase the vehicle.
“The price to outsource this work is over $2,000 per day,” Remm responded. “We use the hydrovac truck approximately four days per week, and so it’s much more cost effective for us to purchase and allow our talented staff to operate the equipment.”
While the current vehicle is still able to be driven, staff said the hydrovac equipment on it is broken and “parts are no longer available to repair it.”
