The list is out, the contractor has been announced and not crews just need to wait for the right weather before Phase 3 of cast iron water main replacement can begin. KMS Construction, based out of Tuxford, was awarded the contract for the work, which is estimated to cost the city $5.9 million. Eight areas of the city will have their water mains replaced over the course of the year.

Last year, there were quite a few businesses and people who were upset with what they say was the lack of communication from the city, with some owners being told the work in front of their business should only last three weeks, when in reality it ended up lasting a couple months. High Street West is an example where work took so long that winter weather started moving in as crews were leaving the site.

Director of Engineering Josh Mickleborough says they're trying to be better at letting those impacted know what's going on.

"We're reaching out to the people that will be affected directly. We're going to be providing weather, conducting open houses and open up the channels with the contractors." said Mickleborough. "It's disruptive work and it's an inconvenience for those people but it is short term pain for long term gain."

The City is in the process of contacting all those who will be effected by the work and they will be holding two information sessions regarding Phase 3 at City Hall on March 28th and April 3rd.

Meanwhile, the city is still investigating claims of over billing that have been filed by some residents and businesses who were part of Phase 1. Some residents presented to city council earlier this year saying their bill was three or four times more than what they were quoted in a contract that they signed with KMS, the contractor that did the work and has been awarded the Phase 3 contract.  A report on what happened is expected to be presented to city councillors later this spring.