April 30, 2025
Local News | The Times
Local News

Ottawa canal project delayed to 2019

City extends larger tax rebate to Heritage Harbor

By Brent Bader

The Illinois & Michigan Canal project, pictured here in mid-August, has been delayed until 2019. Bids for future work came in higher than expected and officials are expected to discuss some alternatives next week. (Tom Sistak)

Ottawa’s Illinois & Michigan Canal project has hit a snag which will leave it dry until next year.

Mayor Bob Eschbach confirmed when asked by media following Tuesday night’s council meeting that bids for the construction came in higher than the city was expecting.

The city went out for bids in early August for drilling a new well alongside the canal near Fulton Street which would pump water through the canal. Bids were also sought to build a concrete wall under the Route 23 bridge over the canal to separate flowing water from the walking path as well as sealing the canal so it is waterproof.

Additionally, the bidding document needed to be reworked to allow workers more time to fit the project into their schedules.

Eschbach said the city will have a work session Monday to discuss alternatives.

He added the original unveiling date in October was optimistic, but said the canal is still expected to be flowing in early 2019.