Construction stops mail delivery

By Gillian Slade on July 14, 2018.

Canada Post says the current condition means there is no safe access to the community boxes for its delivery agent and customers. --SUBMITTED PHOTO

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

Rain and snow does not stop Canada Post from delivering mail, but construction work can.

Compounding the inconvenience of delayed utilities construction work in the Second Street SW and Fourth Avenue area, Canada Post has stopped delivery of mail to the community mailboxes.

A local resident who is affected says it impacts 45 households who now have to drive to Kipling Street Post Office to collect their mail.

Canada Post says it was a safety issue.

“The safety and security of our delivery agent, the mail and customers is of upmost importance. We apologize to our customers that street work has temporarily affected mail delivery,” said Phil Legault, media relations Canada Post in an email. “Unfortunately, with the daily construction developments happening our delivery agent and customers cannot be guaranteed consistent and safe access to the community mailboxes.”

Canada Post does not offer an alternative for those who are not in a position to drive to Kipling Street to collect their mail.

“If some customers would like to make arrangements for a neighbour to pick up their mail, we can provide them a letter to confirm that,” said Legault.

Earlier this week the City said it expects a delay of four to six weeks on the utility construction project because of a time lag in receiving some valves required for the work. It could be the end of August before the job is complete.

The valves, which generally take 12 to 16 weeks, were ordered at the beginning of April but there is a production issue with the manufacturer, said Chris Turner, engineering superintendent utility distribution systems for the city.

“I am hoping that they (the valves) will be here in the first week of August.”

Turner is hopeful the detours affecting traffic flow could be over by the end of the month. Crews will then have to return later to Fourth Avenue and Second Street to finish up installation of the valves.

Canada Post does not have a specific date for returning to community mailbox delivery in the area.

“We are reviewing the progress of construction frequently and will resume normal delivery as soon as possible,” said Legault.