Encampment in west end Moncton (91.9 The Bend File Photo)

Moncton City Council has agreed to hire a contractor to clean up unsightly premises in the city such as vacated tent sites.

A one-year contract has been awarded to Yard Guyz, the lowest of four bidders, at nearly $243,000.

Councillor Charles Leger told staff this is not an easy job and he wondered if the company was capable of handling it.

“If I looked at it and if I was a company bidding on it… I might be thinking I’m going to pick up some food waste and some camp site debris. This is really complex and I have real concerns.”

Staff told Leger the company has experience working with the Town of Amherst.

Fire Chief Conrad Landry told council there are provisions in place if the contractor doesn’t satisfy the requirements of the tender.

Leger was the only councillor who cast a nay vote.

Councillor Marty Kingston said residents have been telling council about a growing number of tent sites throughout the city.

“We’ve had conversations on the phone. We’ve had a number of disturbing emails sent to some councillors and the mayor. They seem to be increasing and we know the stats out there.”

The successful bidder will have to supply general labourers and heavy equipment such as dump trucks and backhoes.

From July 2021 to July 2022, staff said the city had spent about $200,000 in contracted clean up services.