REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: January 30, 2019 Report No. EPW-19-005
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Early Budget Approval Re: Purchase of Right of Way at Admirals Road / Bewdley Avenue
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approves the early budget request for the release of funds from the Capital Projects Reserve ($10,000) for the purchase of additional right of way located at Admirals Road and Bewdley Avenue.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
2019-2023 Financial Plan
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Identify infrastructure repair and proactively plan for replacement needs
Continued implementation of sidewalk master plan
BACKGROUND:
Within the 2018-2022 Financial Plan, $61,000 was approved for acquisition of land. The scope of this project was the acquisition of additional right of way to be utilized for the construction of sidewalk. The sidewalk project is part of the Sidewalk Network Program and will be a budget request in the 2019-2023 Financial Plan.
The purchase of additional right of way occurs over two lots with the total length of frontage of 35m. This also translates into 54 square metres of land. Land costs have proven to be higher than expected and additional funds are required in order to complete the land purchase.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
It is staff’s recommendation that early budget approval be granted and the additional funds be released from the Capital Projects Reserve in order to complete the land acquisition process.
In order for the construction of sidewalk along this stretch of road to occur, this land purchase is necessary. With the purchase of the land and approval of the 2019 budget request, the sidewalk will be constructed. The construction of the sidewalk will increase the connectivity of sidewalk networks within the Township, which in turn will promote walking as an alterative mode of movement. Placement of sidewalk in this location greatly increases the protection of pedestrians that utilize the right of way and will also form an important link between Constance Street/ Admirals Road/ Bewdley Avenue in gaining access to the Saxe Point neighborhood.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no significant organizational implications to this recommendation. Staff has already commenced land purchase discussions with the two property owners. Once the request is approved, these discussions can be completed and the land purchased. These activities have been accounted for in the work plans of the Engineering Department.
3. Financial Implications
An additional $10,000 of funding will need to be approved from the Capital Projects Reserve Fund. Upon approval, the funds will be allocated in the financial plan and will impact the total amount of funds available for other capital projects.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
The purchase of this right of way will allow for the construction of the sidewalk along this length of road. This will result in lower green house gas generation and lower the reliance on utilizing vehicles as the primary mode of transportation. The new sidewalk will also provide a safe location for residents to walk as opposed to walking along the side of the road which is the current practice.
5. Communication & Engagement
Staff will complete the land purchase from the two land owners.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approves the early budget request for the release of funds from the Capital Projects Reserve Fund ($10,000) for the purchase of additional right of way located at Admirals Road and Bewdley Avenue.
2. That Council does not approve the early budget request of the release of funds from the Capital Project Reserve Fund ($10,000) for the purchase of additional right of way.