The contract for the paving of Mckenzie Avenue in Steinbach from Highway #12 to Lilac Bay has come in under budget. Maple Leaf Construction had the lowest of four bids at $524,000. Councillor Jac Siemens moved approval of the bid and says this project will bring that section of road up to a standard where it can handle heavy loads.

"There is a lot of heavy truck traffic there from Barkman Concrete so that road does need to be repaired and upgraded. The contract has come in substantially under budget so we're ahead on this year's budget already."

Chief Administrative Officer Troy Warkentin cautioned there is about $130,000 worth of engineering work on top of the $524,000 paving contract bringing the total project cost to $654,000. But he adds that is still below the budgeted cost of $695,000.

Mayor Chris Goertzen says this project is another example of the city's commitment to high-quality infrastructure.

"This is obviously needed in that area. Not only is it going to improve that road, but it's also going to last a long time. It also speaks to the level of infrastructure that we are putting in when it's needed. Our administration certainly does have a clear understanding of high standards."