7 non-conformance reports since Oct. 1 for AIM Roads

Photo: AIM Roads

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.

AIM Roads has responded to Castanet's query about their seven non-conformance reports.

"AIM Roads is in discussion with the MOTI regarding these non-conformances and we are collaboratively reviewing those reports.  At this time, we are unable to comment further," said AIM in a statement sent to Castanet.

ORIGINAL

The public is not the only one to have concerns with AIM Roads.

Castanet has learned the highway maintenance company that operates from the Shuswap to South Okanagan has been written up seven times by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

In a statement to Castanet, the ministry said: “AIM Roads has been issued seven non-compliance reports by the ministry since Oct. 1.

“The ministry issues non-conformance reports when contractors are not meeting expectations. There is a requirement that the contractor corrects the issue and creates an action plan to ensure it does not occur again.”

The ministry did not say what the reports were for or exactly when they were issued.

“We also look to the contractor to proactively identify their own challenges and provide us with the steps they are taking to mitigate the issues. The ministry has issued NCRs to AIM, and AIM has also proactively identified several of their own opportunities,” said the ministry.

“We are only part way through this winter, and we assess the contractor based on performance over the entire season.”

If MOTI officials find the contractor is not meeting contractual requirements, there is a mechanism to withhold or retain a portion of their payment.

“The ministry is looking for AIM to continue identifying opportunities for improvement where they are not meeting specifications and taking steps to do better,” it said.

Castanet has been in contact with AIM and is awaiting a response.

AIM has been under fire recently from the public for its road maintenance, but the ministry pointed out it has been a tough winter and challenges should be expected.

“The North Okanagan and Shuswap, similar to many areas in the Southern Interior, have seen significantly higher than average snowfall this winter – and in some locations record-breaking snowfall,” MOTI said, noting the Kalamalka weather station has recorded more than 150 cm of snow since Dec. 1, 195 per cent of the 10-year average for December, and the second highest snowfall since 2006.

Some 70 cm of snow has already fallen in January.