REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: July 7, 2021 Report No. EPW-21-019
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Council Resolution for Funding Request from BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Authorizes staff to submit an application for a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for up to 60% of the project cost of $362,000 for a new sidewalk and accessible ramp on Constance Street south of Lyall;
2. Confirms the Township’s share of funding of up to $145,000 is committed in the 2021 - 2025 Financial Plan; and
3. Confirms the project is “shovel ready”;
as detailed in Staff Report EPW-21-019.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Sidewalk Maintenance Council Policy - NO. PLAN - 17
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Healthy, Livable & Diverse Community - Multi-Modal Strategies
Local Services and Infrastructure - Support Ongoing Improvements to Transportation Corridors
BACKGROUND:
The Province of British Columbia’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant supports community-specific active transportation networks that are safe, accessible, and convenient for all ages and abilities, as committed to in the Active Transportation Strategy. The grant is available to Indigenous governments and local governments. Further details on the grant can be found in the Program Guidelines in Attachment 1.
Projects approved for grant funding for municipalities with a population between 15,000 and 25,000 will be 60% funded by the provincial government. The remaining 40% of the costs are to be funded by the municipality. The maximum funding by the province will be up to $500,000 per project. Applicants are permitted to submit up to two projects.
Projects submitted under this grant must be “shovel ready” with design and engagement on the project already complete. The funding request must be submitted by July 30, 2021. Funded projects must be constructed by the end of March 2023.
Engineering and Public Works have identified the Constance Avenue Sidewalk Project (Project) as a potential project for this funding source. The Project includes:
• Construction of a new sidewalk along the east side of Constance Avenue between the existing sidewalk that ends at 457 Constance Avenue and the path that connects to Admirals Road south of 431 Constance Avenue
• Replacing the existing asphalt sidewalk on Constance Avenue south of Lyall Street with a wider concrete sidewalk
• Accessibility improvements to the path that connects Constance Avenue to Admirals Road.
Completion of the Project will provide a continuous sidewalk from Lyall Street to the path connecting to Admirals Road. The Project is included in the 2021-2025 Financial Plan. These improvements to the sidewalk network were chosen as per the Sidewalk Master Plan.
Engineering has completed the preliminary design of the project as well as carrying out public consultation with the residents. A consultant has been retained and is currently working on the detailed design for this project with construction by a contractor expected in the fall.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The Project will improve active transportation in the Township by providing a continuous sidewalk on Constance Avenue from Lyall Street south to the path that connects to Admirals Road. Other Active Transportation projects were considered but the Constance Avenue Sidewalk Project was chosen as it is the most “shovel ready” project. Although the detailed design is not complete, a preliminary 60% drawing will be submitted with the application. Staff confirmed with the Program Analyst for the province that this is an acceptable approach. Application for this funding will not delay detailed design or the construction of the Project.
It is staff’s recommendation that Council direct staff to prepare a certified Council resolution authorizing Esquimalt’s funding share and confirming its shovel readiness for a new sidewalk, and accessible ramp on Constance Avenue, south of Lyall Street in order to meet one of the grant application’s requirements. A “shovel ready” project means the engagement and design is complete, and the project is ready to be constructed.
2. Organizational Implications
The application would be prepared by Engineering and Public Works staff. The Project is already on the 2021 work plan for Engineering and Public Works, and will be managed with existing resources, design consultant, and a contractor.
Once the sidewalk is installed it will become part of the linear infrastructure with maintenance being carried out by Township staff.
3. Financial Implications
The approved budget to complete the Project is $389,063 which is broken down into the three projects:
• $225,000 for new sidewalk
• $50,000 for replacing existing asphalt sidewalk
• $114,063 for improving the pathway
The most recent estimate for this work is $362,000 and will be utilized for the application (estimate includes maximum allowable contingency of 20% and $14,000 for project management). This estimate doesn’t include the approximate $10,000 for design costs as design work is an ineligible cost for the grant funding.
The grant application will request a total of $217,000 (60% of estimate) of funding from the province and $145,000 (40% of estimate) of funding from Esquimalt.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
The installation of this segment of sidewalk will add a significant component to the linear infrastructure and increase the walkability within the Saxe Point neighbourhood. This will provide a safer walking environment and encourage walking as an alternative to vehicle transport. By providing a safer walking environment, the Township is supporting a healthy and livable community.
5. Communication & Engagement
Once the Project has been approved, information will be posted to the Township’s website and other social media throughout the duration of the project. Affected residents will be notified by letter in advance of construction.
ALTERNATIVES:
Recommendation
1. That Council:
1. Authorizes staff to submit an application for a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for up to 60% of the project cost of $362,000 for a new sidewalk and accessible ramp on Constance Street south of Lyall;
2. Confirms the Township’s share of funding of up to $145,000 is committed in the 2021 - 2025 Financial Plan; and
3. Confirms the project is “shovel ready”;
as detailed in Staff Report EPW-21-019.Body
2. That Council directs staff not to submit an application for a BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant for a new sidewalk and accessible ramp on Constance Avenue south of Lyall Street.