There has been a large hole in the middle of Chester since the summer, resulting in complaints from many nearby residents. The borough claims the work is taking longer to complete because the water conduct involved is a major one that services large parts of NDG and Côte St. Luc. The borough also wanted to cause as little inconvenience as possible to local residents by not having to shut off the water.

According to a circular delivered last week to homes on several streets in the area, the work is supposed to continue until mid-November. “We initially hoped to complete the work this week, but the complexity and extent of the repairs required mean that the work will take approximately another two weeks,” said the letter.

“Initially they had hoped to finish everything for Nov. 6,” said François Puchin, a spokesman for the borough. “But while doing some additional excavation, they became aware that a section where all the parts that are completely worn out will have to be replaced by entirely new pieces will take more time. It’s a more complex operation.”

While the site recently stood idle for days without any signs anything was being done, last Monday a contingent of blue collar employees could be seen hard at work. Puchin predicts everything will be completed by Nov. 20.