A lone tender that was $427,000 over budget for the widening of Broadway between C Line and the existing four-lane section was rejected by Orangeville Council Monday night, as staff had recommended.

The tender from Varcon Construction Company Ltd., of Brampton came with a price tag of $1,572,584.14, while the engineer's estimate for the work was $1,145,600.

"The lack of interest in this project at this time is very unfortunate and is in indication that there are many infrastructure projects underway and contractors are busy," Doug Jones, managing director of environmental and development services, advised in a report to council.

"Staff recommends that the tender be rejected and the project re-tendered for the fall for construction in 2007."

However, some parts of the project will have to be completed before the planned opening later this year of a Shoppers Drug Mart at Broadway and C Line.

Council was told traffic signal modifications that will need to be made, and entrances into the site and an eastbound left turn lane at the intersection will be paid for by the developer.

The Town of Orangeville will have to arrange for a temporary connection for the forcemain carrying the filter backwash from Well 2 to a manhole on the Norstar property.

This will be undertaken as part of the upgrade for the well and paid for as part the Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of surface water (GUDI) well upgrades.