East Ferris’ Fire Station 2, located in Astorville, is set to receive a new septic system, and the project is coming in significantly under budget.
Municipal staff determined the fire hall’s septic system had reached the end of its serviceable life. Council agreed, and earmarked $35,000 in the 2026 municipal budget to cover the project. To prepare for the request for proposals, the municipality hired a third-party consultant to prepare a septic design, which cost $4,071.75 plus HST.
The design, prepared by Canadian Shield Consultants Agency, was submitted for approval and all of the required permits have since been obtained.
Fire Chief Steph Amyotte said, “Obtaining an independent design ensured that all contractors were provided with the same specifications, creating a fair and competitive procurement process.”
Three contractors bid on the projects, with bids ranging from the low twenty thousands to just over forty-one thousand. The winning bid—and the lowest bidder—was EBL Groundworks, which is based in Astorville.
EBL Groundworks’ bid of $22,300 plus HST was accepted by council. The company will remove of the current septic system and supply and install a new system in accordance with the existing design.
In Amyotte’s report to council, he emphasized, “This project will bring the septic system into compliance with current standards and is expected to provide reliable service for the remaining life of the building.”
He noted the new system includes a septic bed, which will increase the system's treatment capacity and reduce the frequency of required septic tank pump-outs, resulting in improved operational efficiency and lower long-term maintenance requirements.
Work is expected to begin later this summer.