PERIOD REPORT
DATE: September 23, 2024 Report No. EPW-24-022
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Joel Clary, Director of Engineering & Public Works
SUBJECT:TITLEEngineering & Public Works Departments - 2024 Second Period Report
Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Engineering & Public Works Departments from May 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
I. DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Sanitary Sewer
• 5 new service laterals installed this period (7 total for the year).
• 10 service laterals replaced (due to blockages) this period (18 total for the year).
• Test and clear inspections as and when required.
• 2 new manholes installed this period (2 total for the year).
2. Pump Stations
• Crews have been carrying out routine maintenance activities.
• Annual pump maintenance/controls inspections of kiosks completed in the second period. Pump inspections to be completed in the third period of 2024.
• Program also includes coordinating similar activities for View Royal pump stations.
• No overflow events to report in the second period.
3. Storm Drains
• 2 new service laterals installed this period (4 total for the year).
• 2 service laterals replaced (due to blockages) this period (9 total for the year).
• Test and clear inspections as and when required.
• 2 new manholes installed this period (3 total for the year).
• 0 catch basins replaced this period (0 total for the year).
• 3 new catch basins installed this period (3 total for the year).
• Program for catch basin cleaning expected in the third period.
4. Liquid Waste Management Plan
• Participated on the Esquimalt Liaison Committee, with a meeting in May. CRD continues to receive and investigate odour complaints.
• Participated in initial discussions with the CRD led Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan Technical Working Group to review an update to the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Plan in 2022. Minimal discussions in 2023. Working group was provided an update in March 2024 regarding planned updates to the I&I section of the Plan.
• CRD initiated a Technical and Community Advisory Committee (TCAC) to assist the CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee (CALWMC) in making appropriate recommendations to the CRD Board in the areas of:
§ Inflow and infiltration (I&I)
§ Sanitary sewer overflows
§ Biosolids management and beneficial use
• Staff are participating on the TCAC and attended 1 meeting in the second period of 2024.
5. Roads
• Pothole repairs being carried out as required.
• Painting of curbs, driveway tips, crosswalks and stop bars began in the second period and will continue into the third period.
• Centre line painting on roads completed in the second period.
• Crack sealing expected in the third period of 2024.
• Mill and pave to accommodate thermoplastic to refresh crosswalks will continue in the third period.
• Major repair/minor capital works to began in the second period and will continue in September, with several locations requiring repairs via asphalt removal and replacement.
• Approximately 215.04 tonnes of asphalt placed for the period (378.64 tonnes total for the year).
6. Traffic Management
• Traffic orders and sign installation is ongoing.
• Replaced faulty traffic signal controller at Tillicum and Craigflower.
• Actioned 2024 traffic signal maintenance program. Work to occur in the third period.
• New locks procured with full replacement for all existing signal/electrical cabinets to occur in the third period.
7. Sidewalk Maintenance
• Carried out surface restoration for third parties.
• Approximately 50.3 cubic meters of concrete (includes curb and gutter and sidewalk panels) was placed (108.3 cubic meters total for the year).
• Approximately 106.6 linear meters was replaced for the period (433.2 linear meters total for the year).
8. Sidewalk Ramps
• Accessibility improvements completed in first period of 2024 near entrance to the Rec Centre using materials identified by Parks and Engineering staff as favourable to adjacent trees.
• Accessibility improvements at Lampson and Wollaston scheduled for third period.
9. Trip Hazards
• As per Council Policy PLAN-17 Sidewalk Maintenance, trip hazard inspection survey continues. Establishing new baseline and review areas while maintaining 3-year cycles.
• Work completed:
o 0 - No.1 trip hazards completed this period.
o 0 - No. 2 trip hazards completed this period.
o 0 - No. 3 trip hazards completed this period.
10. Bus Shelters
• Normal maintenance schedule is ongoing, including:
o Refuse collection, graffiti removal.
o Staff are exploring more efficient ways to increase our service levels for bus stop maintenance including pressure washing.
11. Solid Waste Management
Garbage and Kitchen Scraps Collection
• Operations normal.
• Number of additional garbage and organics bins purchased to the end of period = 9 (total additional bins purchased since 2014 = 527).
• Tonnage of garbage waste stream collected for period = 334.84 (total for the year = 675.49).
• Tonnage of kitchen scraps stream collected for period = 179.31 (total for the year = 352.53).
• Tonnage for garbage and kitchen scraps streams for the year = 1,028.02 (total for same period 2023 = 1029.39).
• Garbage bins from initial 2014 program rollout are failing. Purchase of new waste bins to occur in third period of 2024.
Yard and Garden
• Usage of transfer station during period: May to August, 2024:
o Esquimalt residents = 7,163 (11,116 total for the year).
o View Royal residents = 5,933 (9,125 total for the year).
o Commercial = 19 (33 total for the year).
o Tonnage removed from site = 788.26 (1,327.51 total for the year).
o Tonnage removed in 2023 second period = 701.66 (total for 2023 = 1,928.44).
Recycling
• Operations normal for second period.
• Staff preparing a new contract for tender in 2024 for municipal facilities.
12. Fleet
• Operations normal.
• Council approved the Fleet Electrification Plan in the second period of 2024. Staff to work with consultant to develop a plan for charging infrastructure in the third period of 2024.
• Specifications preparation underway with tender release expected in third period of 2024:
§ Street sweeper
§ Garbage truck
• Exploring options, including lighter duty or used vehicles, for a Garbage Packer (Curbster)
• Vehicles being delayed to extend useful life:
§ ¾ ton truck
§ Sewer van
§ Crane truck (repairs completed in the second period of 2024 to extend life and resumed service)
• Vehicles in progress:
§ Bike lane street sweeper purchased and awaiting delivery (supplier provided a temporary sweeper until the Township’s is delivered)
§ Electric ½ ton pick up truck received in second period and put in service
13. Work Orders
• Work orders for call outs and/or repairs at View Royal pump stations for the period = 8 (total for the year = 17).
• Work orders issued for asphalt/sidewalk repairs following work by other utilities for the period = 11 (total for the year = 33).
• Work orders issued for new sanitary and storm services to accommodate new development in the period = 10 (total for the year = 16).
• Work orders issued for new curb/gutter/sidewalk in preparation for new development in the period = 9 (total for the year = 9).
• Work orders issued to cap sanitary and storm services in preparation for new development in the period = 1 (total for the year =7).
14. Public Works Calls For Service
• Number of Calls for Service assigned to Public Works this period = 314 (total for the year = 575).
• Number of Calls for Service completed by Public Works this period = 285 (total for the year = 533).
15.00. Capital Projects
15.01. Annual Traffic Counts
• Bi-annual traffic counts expected in third period of 2024.
15.02. Review of SCADA Upgrade System
• A formal agreement to continue to use CRD’s SCADA system for sanitary pump stations is expected in 2024. No changes to the existing operations are expected from this agreement.
15.03. Review of Public Works Fuel Tanks
• Review of tanks determined that tanks have a single wall and are not in compliance with today’s standards. They are approximately 22 years old.
• There have been significant issues with the cardlock system not functioning.
• Council awarded a contract to replace the fuel tank in the second period of 2024, with installation expected in the third period.
15.04. Coastal Infrastructure Management
• Due to staffing, work on this project has been on hold.
• Staff will hire a consultant in 2024 to begin assessing the condition of structures, pending staff availability.
15.05. Westbay Walkway Design
• The wooden structure is showing its age and requires increased maintenance.
• Parks and Engineering will be working jointly on determining a scope of work for either an upgrade of the current structure or replacement of the walkway structure.
• Minor repairs completed in the second period of 2024.
• Consultant to be retained in the third period of 2024 to complete a structural assessment of the walkway.
15.06. Parking Study
• The Integrated Parking Management Plan was endorsed by Council in the first period of 2024. The corresponding Action Plan that provides priorities and impacts was endorsed by Council in the second period of 2024.
• Staff will prepare budget requests per the Action Plan starting in 2025.
15.07. Integrated Resource Management Business Case Development
• Staff provided a report and associated information for Council’s consideration of next steps in September 2023. Council directed staff to explore biochar testing and confirm funding availability from CRD.
• CRD confirmed $50,000 of funding is available to Esquimalt for this project.
• Through discussions with consultants, staff explored biochar testing options in the second period. An update to Council is expected in the third period of 2024.
15.08. Municipal Hall Roof Replacement
• Flynn Canada was hired in the first period of 2023 to replace the remaining lower portions of roof. Construction began on the lower roof portions in third period of 2023. Lower roof portions completed in first period of 2024.
• Tender issued in the second period of 2024 for the upper roof replacement, two bids were received. Due to budget and scheduling restraints the project will be retendered in the third period of 2024.
15.09. Street Light Replacement Program
• Staff are working with a consultant to calculate required lighting levels.
• 113 replacements will take place in third period of 2024.
• Staff plan to complete another Township wide review in the third period to determine if any further lights need to be replaced. Previously 102 failed LED lights were replaced under warranty.
15.10. Decorative Street Light Pole Replacement
• Decorative poles in median islands on Esquimalt Road were at the end of life and were replaced with new poles in the first period of 2023. Remaining electrical issues to be addressed in third period of 2024.
15.11. Banners
• A staff working group led by Economic Development and Recreation staff are developing a new banner program.
• New program will follow the Public Art Plan process.
• Program update expected at end of 2024.
15.12. Road Corridor Program
• Contractor hired in the second period of 2021 for completing the remaining inspections of the storm and sanitary collection systems through CCTV camera inspections.
• Access issues resulted in contractor delay but completion was reached in the first period of 2024.
• Inspection results to be used in Sanitary and Storm Sewer Asset Management Plans.
15.13. Active Transportation Network Plan Implementation
• Pedestrian Facilities:
§ Construction on Munro Street to fill in gap in sidewalk between Plasket Place and Kinver is now complete. The remaining section on Munro between Kinver and Lampson to be completed after a short section of drain main is replaced on the north side. This remaining section will be bundled in one contract with the new sidewalk Kinver/Heald/Swinford.
§ Staff developed concepts for completing the sidewalk connections between Lyall and Munro (ATNP Action 1D) on Swinford Street, Heald Avenue and Kinver Street. Staff continue to refine the design of the new sidewalk and will retain a consultant to tender the work in 2024/2025.
§ In 2022, a new sidewalk on Constance Avenue from Lyall Street south to the path that connects to Admirals Road was designed and tendered. Due to pricing, construction was not awarded. To make Constance Avenue more pedestrian friendly, staff completed a traffic calming concept for Constance Avenue. Engagement with residents started late in the second period of 2024, with installation of traffic calming measure expected in the third period. Supplemental wooden planters as part of this project are expected in the first period of 2025.
§ In coordination with the proposed sidewalk as part of 820 Dunsmuir Street frontage works, staff will reconstruct the northeast and northwest corners of Wollaston and Dunsmuir and establish a new pedestrian crossing across Dunsmuir. Due to tree conflicts, much of the asphalt sidewalk replacement has been removed from Wollaston to Esquimalt Road. Surface improvements will be made in lieu. Construction expected in the third period of 2024.
§ Cycling Facilities:
• Protected bike lanes on Tillicum from Gorge Bridge to Craigflower and on Lampson from Craigflower to Esquimalt Road are substantially complete. Minor deficiencies have been addressed in the second period of 2024. Project to be closed out in the third period.
• Esquimalt Road Phase 1 - Dominion to Joffre - Active Transportation Improvements
o In the second period, Council awarded a contract to ISL Engineering to begin detailed design and engagement. Phase 1 engagement started at the beginning of September. A What We Heard Report will be provided to Council in the third period. Further refinements to the design through consultation will be made in the third period of 2024, with construction expected to start late 2024/early 2025.
• Esquimalt Road Phase 2 - Joffre to Canteen - Active Transportation Improvements
o In the second period, Council awarded a contract to ISL Engineering to begin detailed design and engagement. Engagement, routing and design refinement to start in the third period of 2024. Following engagement, a What We Heard Report will be provided to Council. Construction is expected in 2025.
§ Complete Street, Complete Intersections:
• Esquimalt and Dunsmuir Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3B)
o Staff developed design concepts that are included in Esquimalt Road Phase 1 engagement materials.
• Craigflower Crossing Improvements (ATNP Action 3C)
o Staff continue to refine conceptual design and plan to retain a consultant in third period of 2024 to complete detailed design on all existing crosswalks along Craigflower. Pedestrian activation to be included for all crossings. Implementation planned for 2025.
• Devonshire/Fairview (ATNP Action 3D)
o Staff performed manual traffic counts in 2023. Staff to complete 4-way stop warrant in 2025.
• Esquimalt/Fernhill Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3E)
o Staff will include this intersection review with Esquimalt Road Phase 2. Current concept includes converting this intersection from a half signal to a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) due to aging infrastructure.
• Conduct Minor Intersection Reviews (ATNP Action 3F)
o Further reviews to occur following other reviews listed or as part of traffic calming opportunities.
• Admirals/Colville Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3G)
o Staff to review signal timing and phasing, and explore opportunities for minor intersection changes in 2025.
• Esquimalt/Head Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3H)
o Staff will include this intersection review with Esquimalt Road Phase 1. Sidewalk/corner ramps and traffic signal cabinet/controller upgrades currently identified.
• Fraser Street / Munro Street / Bewdley Street Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3I)
o Engineering working with Parks and Recreation staff to complete street mural in the third period of 2024.
• Esquimalt/Admirals Intersection Review (ATNP Action 3J)
o Staff will include this intersection review with Esquimalt Road Phase 2. Sidewalk/corner ramps and traffic signal cabinet/controller upgrades currently identified.
• Dominion/Ellery/Powderly Crosswalk:
o Staff continue to work with the City of Victoria to complete detailed design of the crosswalk across our border. Conceptual design is complete, and design has been handed over to the City of Victoria. Construction planned for 2024/2025.
§ Lower Speeds (ATNP Action 3M):
• In the first period of 2024, Council approved bylaw changes, reducing speeds on Major Roads to 40km/hr, and all other roads to 30km/hr.
• Staff have completed the new speed sign installations in the second period of 2024. Staff expect to adjust and add signs as required in the third period of 2024.
• ICBC to provide a $37,500 contribution towards the cost of the new speed limit signs.
• Staff have procured new traffic counting equipment in the second period and will look to have several permanent speed reader boards installed in late 2024 / 2025.
• Staff continue to utilize the annual traffic calming budget to identify/implement temporary and permanent improvements in 2024. Completed projects in the second period include school and playground pavement markings on Highrock Avenue and on Fraser Street. Staff currently refining conceptual designs for Rockheights Avenue between Old Esquimalt and Lampson Street for new traffic calming measures.
15.14. ETAG (Esquimalt Together Against Graffiti)
• Public Works/Parks Departments continue to carry out work on the public realm as required.
• Due to staff shortages, a call for volunteers has not been initiated. Staff anticipate this occurring in 2025.
15.15. Sewer and Drain Capital / I&I
• Staff repaired a 15 metre section of sunken sanitary sewer main on Munro Street near Kinver Street in the second period of 2024 that was identified during the Munro sidewalk project.
• Staff will replace a 10 metre section of storm main on Munro Street near Lampson Street in the third period of 2024.
• Two 5 to 10 metre sections of storm main on Head Street between Esquimalt Road and Wollaston Street are expected to be completed by staff in the third period of 2024.
• Remaining repairs in Gosper Crescent neighbourhood expected late 2024 to replace 252 metres of sewer and drain mains causing minor contamination at Gorge Creek outfall.
• Additional main replacements/upgrades expected to be finalized as part of the Sewer Asset Management Plan that’s expected in the third period of 2024.
• Inspection of the Uganda Sewer Pump Station identified a need to replace aging pumps.
• Consultant to be retained in third period following the Asset Management Plan to complete detailed designs for Gosper Crescent, Uganda Pump Station, and any additional main replacements. Construction expected in the third period of 2024 / 2025.
15.16. Sewer Asset Management Plan
• This project is to develop an overall asset management plan for the sewer network that identifies long term funding requirements in order to maintain current levels of service.
• Consultant has completed pump station inspections, sewer modelling, and reviewing condition assessments. The complete Asset Management report is expected in the third period of 2024.
15.17. Storm Asset Management Plan
• This project is to develop an overall asset management plan for the storm sewer network that identifies long term funding requirements in order to maintain current levels of service. Consultant expected to be retained in the third period of 2024, with completion expected in summer 2025.
15.18. Facilities Asset Management Plan
• This project is to develop an overall asset management plan for municipal facilities. Consultant expected to be retained in the third period of 2024, with completion expected in summer 2025.
16.0 Traffic Orders
• Number of Traffic Orders issued this period = 4 (total for the year = 8).
17.0. Development Applications
• Number of development applications for Engineering comments this period = 11 (total for the year = 17). This number includes rezoning and subdivision applications.
• Number of building permit applications for Engineering comments this period = 26 (total for the year = 55). This number includes demo permits.
II. COMMITTEES
• No Engineering staff is appointed to sit on any Council appointed committees.