According to this year’s Farmer’s Almanac and other forecasts, signs point to a winter of wet, slushy snow and frequent ‘freeze-thaw’ cycles across Atlantic Canada.
With those conditions in mind, Tantramar council approved the purchase of a new sidewalk snowplow during its December 9th meeting, after pressing staff on cost, equipment needs, and how the purchase would be funded.
Aging equipment and limited options
Council heard that the municipality’s existing sidewalk plow was no longer usable.
Tantramar superintendant of public works Michelle Sherwood presented the report to council and explained the condition of the unit.
“The 2007 trackless sidewalk plow was damaged beyond repair and sent to scrap. The sidewalk plow is instrumental in plowing and blowing sidewalks in an effective and efficient way as part of the Tantramar asset management plan. This piece of equipment is due for replacement in 2026.”
Sherwood told council crews have been relying on other equipment in the meantime, which has created operational challenges.
“Currently, Dorchester is plowed with a tractor that has been retrofitted to plow sidewalks until we can purchase a new sidewalk plow. The tractor blade is wide and causes more damage, and because we have removed the bucket, the tractor can no longer be pushing back banks or helping with hydrant clearing.”
Councillors question the price
The proposed replacement includes several attachments, bringing the total purchase price to just over $354,000 with HST included.
Councillor Barry Hicks questioned whether the municipality could reduce the cost by coordinating with other municipalities.
“I was wondering, did we check to see whether any other municipality was tendering that we could piggyback on? A lot of times you get a better price when you piggyback with somebody else.”
Sherwood said that option had not been explored.
How the purchase is being paid for
Council then turned its attention to how the purchase would fit within the capital budget.
Councillor Josh Goguen raised questions about whether the cost exceeded the amount previously approved.
“So from what I see in our, our past motion, our capital budget is $350,000. So this falls well within that, uh – it says $385. But is that including the $49,000?”
Michael Beal, Tantramar’s director of financial services, explained how rebates and insurance reduce the final cost.
“Yeah. I’ll explain the financials. So yes, the $385 includes HST, we get an HST rebate. The net cost on that is $321,000. We take out the insurance payment, and we will be around $275,000. So moving into the 2026 capital budget, we have $75,000 available to cover overages and other projects that may happen.”
Approval follows clarification
Before voting, councillors acknowledged the size of the purchase but emphasized the value of the equipment.
Councillor Bruce Phinney said the cost needs context.
“It sounds like a lot of money, but actually we’re getting a good machine plus also all the parts that go with it and things that we’ve needed for a number of years. We’re really getting a good deal. And I just wanted to let the people know, because when they hear a figure of 300 and some thousand, it makes ’em wonder what’s going on.”
Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase. Delivery is expected in early 2026.
Council meets next on December 17th, where Keith Coady will be present to present on the proposed NB gas plant near Centre Village. Agendas and documents are available at tantramarnb.com
