132 Avenue from Fort Road to 127 Street is being reconstructed as part of the Collector (road) Renewal under theNeighbourhood Renewal Program.This project encourages consistent speed limits, active transportation, new boulevards and trees, and traffic safety features.
Construction is currently happening in Ward Anirinq between 97 Street - 113A Street. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many residents and businesses who’ve shared their perspectives and feedback on 132 Ave. In response to these conversations, I made a formal inquiry asking City Administration to provide a cost breakdown for this project that included:
The scope, scale and budget for growth for adding enhancements such as bike lanes, lighting, flowerbeds, etc. compared to constructing like-for-like
An outline of the financial and other implications or risks associated with cancellation of the project.
I’m sharing the information that Council received back in response to my inquiry.
A budget comparison was provided for the project (from 127 Street to Fort Road) breaking down the costs for both a base renewal scenario and what’s in the current design. The costs outlined shows an estimated cost of $86.6 Million for the base renewal while the current design total is $95.7 Million. This shows the difference between renewal and renewal+growth/enhancements is about $9 Million.
The growth costs in this project are meant to add additional features and enhancements that benefit multiple users of the roadway and sidewalks and are within the 10% costs for enhancements as per the renewal policy.
It’s also worth noting that the growth items are offset by the reductions in costs on like-for-like replacement, such as $42.2 Million for road renewal while the current design costs for roads are $30.9 Million.
The response also identified that there are increased operational and maintenance costs once this project is completed. For example, this roadway will see the addition of approximately 600 trees (which achieves City Plangoals and building a climate resilient city), however, this will require watering, pruning, etc.
Regarding the second part of the inquiry, the response highlighted that there would be significant impacts of cancelling this project at this time. With construction contracts tendered and awarded, there would be risk for contractor claims as well as the costs to the City with having to re-work and re-design. Additionally, it was noted that the City must consider reputational risks with industry and there would likely be additional costs in future bids across the City with the cancellation of 132 Ave. With that, cancellation of the project, both in part and in full, wouldn't see cost savings and could actually see the opposite, and therefore is something I do not support.
I very much appreciate all the conversations and engagement I’ve had with folks about this project. Please share your thoughts with me on the information provided. It’ll help as we continue discussions about construction and operational costs in the future!
