Norcope Enterprises has been tasked with finishing paving the final part of a pedestrian path between Takhini North and Porter Creek.

City council voted Monday evening in favour of awarding Norcope the $171,210 contract for the paving of the third section of the non-motorized path.

It stretches straight from the end of a haul road for a snow dump to the end of Pine Street.

Norcope’s was the lowest of two bids to come in.

Skookum Asphalt submitted the only other offer at $193,488.

The path is part of the city’s efforts to encourage more non-motorized commuting throughout the city.

As explained in an earlier report to council: “The purpose is to install sidewalks and asphalt paths to provide safe and accessible connections for commuters between residential areas, public facilities and the downtown core.

“The asphalt commuter path project is the construction of new paved bike/pedestrian trails to connect neighbourhoods and provide an active transportation option that avoids arterial roadways where possible.

“Consultation with communities on the development of new asphalt paths is ongoing.”

Other such paths built since 2009 include the Copper Ridge connector; the route next to Lewes Boulevard; a link between Hillcrest and Granger; the path along Wann Road; and the route downtown along the lower escarpment.

The Porter Creek/Takhini route is scheduled to be finished this year.

Mayor Dan Curtis and councillors Rob Fendrick and Samson Hartland were absent from Monday’s meeting.

Coun. Betty Irwin served as acting mayor.