Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked to the Honourable Wally Schumann, the Minister of Transportation, by Mr. Thompson on June 2, 2016, regarding maintenance contracts on Highway No. 1. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
What is the annual maintenance budget for each section of Highway No. 1, including the ice crossing?
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a document indicating the annual maintenance budget for sections of Highway No. 1, including the ice crossings.
What is the total amount spent on maintenance on Highway No. 1, since 2010-2011?
The Government of the Northwest Territories has invested $13,675,907.00 in contracted maintenance on Highway No. 1 since 2010-2011.
Which companies have been awarded maintenance contracts on Highway No. 1 since 2010-2011, and what was the rationale for selecting them?
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a document that includes the total amount spent on maintenance since 2010-2011 and indicates the companies that were awarded maintenance contracts since that time.
Contractors are selected in accordance with the policies and procedures established and as prescribed in the Government Contracts Regulations. The GNWT offers public access to an archive of contracting history that is readily available online at: http:contracts.fin.gov.nt.ca/.
How does the department review contracts or contractor and in-house maintenance work on Highway No.1?
The Department of Transportation uses the NWT Highway Maintenance Manual as its benchmark to evaluate the quality of contractor performance during routine inspections conducted by Highway Maintenance Supervisors to ensure DOT standards are being met. In-house work by the Department is only completed when geographic limitations, safety concerns, or equipment shortages are encountered by the contractor.
How does the department monitor and consider the impact of weather conditions on the maintenance work if performs on Highway No. 1?
Highway Maintenance Supervisors monitor surface conditions on NWT highways and, based upon the weather, will direct contractors when required to deliver additional maintenance work to improve conditions.
The Department has recently developed a historical log of weather information to be used for tracking climate trends. Maintenance efforts, such as grading and plowing, fluctuate based on weather conditions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
