Blake Ellis/The Independent

A proposed $70,000 repair on Gum Bed Line was referred to the upcoming 2026 budget deliberations. 

The matter came before Oil Springs council during its meeting on Nov. 4. Oil Springs Public Works Superintendent Chris Den Boer had been contacted by his counterpart in Enniskillen Township, Public Works Superintendent Darcy Mitchell a week before to talk about the Gum Bed Line. 

Mitchell had received two quotes to do repairs with the lowest estimate being between $65,000 and $70,000. The project would be over two years, with the first year to tar and chip 600 metres of the road, at a cost of $40,000. This would be followed the next year with micro surfacing at a cost of $25,000. 

The second quote given was for a $141,000 which would see two to three inches of gravel with asphalt finish. 

Both councils would pick up half of the cost of the project, if it were approved in 2026.

“That is probably just the paved part from Kelly to the highway,” said Councillor Adam Veen, as he agreed there are some spots where this work would be needed.

“The harshest things on those would be the oil trucks,” said Councillor Jordan Newport. Both municipalities were looking at the less inexpensive option as a solution.