Big Bar landslide remediation: Committee of the Whole—July 8, 2020

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Context

The contract for the Big Bar landslide in British Columbia has increased to over $53.5 million since it was awarded on December 31, 2019, at an original value of $17.6 million to Peter Kiewit Sons ULC.

Suggested response

If pressed on contract amendments:

Background

PSPC is working with the DFO to improve fish passage in the Fraser River in response to a landslide near Big Bar, north of Lillooet, British Columbia, that was discovered in June 2019.

On November 27, 2019, PSPC, on behalf of DFO, published a request for information—Fraser River Big Bar landslide on www.BuyandSell.gc.ca for the purpose of seeking industry feedback on possible options and capacity to address the Big Bar landslide. 

In accordance with trade agreement provisions and based on the information gathered through the RFI, 5 suppliers were invited to submit a proposal by December 27, 2019. A limited tender process was completed.

The remediation project is occurring on the traditional territories of the Secwepemc Nation, specifically High Bar First Nation and Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. The contract includes an Indigenous benefits plan to provide socio-economic benefits to these 2 First Nations consisting of opportunities related to subcontracting, employment, skills and development and training, protocols, community engagement and other measures.

When the landslide occurred, a large volume of rock fell into the river (approximately 75,000 cubic metres). Therefore, removal and restoration of the river will take multiple construction seasons and a long-term response and commitment. 

Without immediate environmental remediation, many salmon stocks native to the upper Fraser River may become extinct. These impacts could result in economic losses throughout British Columbia and pose risks to the food security and culture of many First Nations communities.

Cold spring weather and the consequent late arrival of the spring freshet allowed more time for completing additional urgent works that were made possible through contract amendments.

As of May 29, 2020 there have been 18 change-orders processed, resulting in a total contract value of $53.5 million. These change orders encompass work such as additional scaling, slope stabilization and protection systems, civil work to support the installation of a pneumatic fish transport system, installation of ancillary equipment to supply water and power to the fish transport system, increased road maintenance costs, costs associated with increased quantities and costs related to additional shifts resulting from weather shut downs, as well as site direct and indirect costs related to the contract extensions.

In addition, it is important to note that the slide site is in an isolated, remote canyon with harsh weather conditions and constant rock fall danger. The costs associated to perform this work reflect the dynamic nature of the response required at Big Bar to improve fish passage.

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