Title
Trails Strategy Plan Update/Funding Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve an additional $100,000 from Municipal Park - Reserve for completion of the Trails Strategy Plan.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
This will provide the level of planning necessary to enable Administration to address Council's Emerging Capital Project priority of Trail Development over the next five years.
Alternative options for Council:
- Maintain current funding level and negotiate a scope of work reduction to fit budget. No additional funding required. Will result in reduced scope with reductions needing to be addressed in future planning and development.
- Not proceed with the project at this time. No further funding required; however, planning is required to move forward with trail development so ability to address Council's emergent capital priority of trail development will be delayed until the planning is completed.
Purpose
To provide Council with a Project Update and request additional project funding.
Summary
Trails planning and development is one of Council's focus areas in their emergent capital project plan. Funding of $100,000 was approved in the 2022 Budget to develop a Trails Strategy Plan; and $5,400,000 has been identified in Council's Emergent Capital Project Plan to be spent over the next five years on trail development.
This Plan will provide Parkland County with the long-term direction with regards to the provision of a systemic approach to trail development and creating an integrated trail network for county residents and visitors to the region across all six Divisions. Specifically, it will outline direction for the next 20 years with a focus on the next 5-10 years. It will be comprehensive and consider adjacent municipalities, partners, adjacent parks and/or trail connections. It will look at how best to leverage existing trails, identify gaps and barriers, meet with, and understand public and other stakeholder usages and needs, and clearly outline and recognize future requirements.
Administration shared the scope of the Plan with Council at the July 12, 2022 Council Meeting (Attached). The scope goes beyond providing just high-level direction, it will also drill down into a higher level of detail in relation to several focus areas Council has identified. Examples include Lois Hole Provincial Park Management Area, connections amongst the Hamlet of Entwistle, Pembina Provincial Park and Tubing area, Wabamun Lake and Hamlet area as well as lands adjacent to the Wagner Natural Area and Acheson Business Park.
The Request for Proposals has now closed and Administration is currently reviewing and evaluating submissions. Proposed Budget from all submissions exceeds the current project funding available.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Complete Communities - To create a sense of belonging and well-being by linking our communities together with roadways, pathways, and utilities.
Emerging Capital Projects - Trail Development
Financial Impact:
Cost: $100,000
Source of Funding: Municipal Park Reserve