Title
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
Proposed Motion
That Council approve up to $563,935 from Municipal Park Restricted Surplus towards the Park Improvement Plan - Phase 2, conditional on receiving approval of the County's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant application.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration fully supports the motion as presented. Successfully accessing this funding will minimize the overall financial impact of the project on Parkland County reserves and/or future taxation.
Purpose
This request is coming to Council outside of typical budget timelines due to the short application period for this one time funding opportunity.
Summary
In May, as part of the celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada announced a one time funding opportunity through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Grant. The grant, which will provide matching funding for up to $500,000 per project, has a focus on meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities (including parks, trails, bike paths and other types of trails). Due to this priority, Community and Protective Services reviewed current projects along with those anticipated in the near future. Given all of the conditions of the grant, timelines, etc. the Park Improvement Plan - Phase 2 was identified as the most appropriate project to submit an application for.
In 2011, Parkland County completed a Park Improvement Plan which included proposed upgrades for each of the nine day use park sites operated and maintained by Parks, Recreation and Culture. Following completion of the conceptual drawings as part of the plan, the project was separated into two phases: Phase 1 included improvements to Chickakoo Lake, Jackfish Lake and Prospectors' Point Day Use areas while Phase 2 included improvements to Muir Lake, Gainford, Hasse Lake, Kokomoko, Rich's Point and Ascot Beach. While some minor work remains to be done, Phase 1 was completed in 2014.
As part of the 2015 budget, Administration will be contracting consultants to complete preliminary and detailed design work, including detailed cost estimates, for Phase 2. Prior to the announcement of this program, Administration planned to request funding through the 2016-2019 Budget process with construction commencing in spring 2016. With the announcement of this funding, and given the short timelines for submitting applications, Administration is seeking approval from Council to conditionally commit it's portion of the cost of the project, based on being approved for funding through this grant. Conditional approval from Council will enable our portion of the funding to be considered as confirmed which will give our application a high level of standing in the evaluation process.
Due to the fact that preliminary and detailed design work has not yet been done which would more accurately depict the cost of the entire project, Administration is utilizing costing received as part of the 2011 conceptual plans. As such, the project budget is estimated as follows:
Expenses: |
|
Preliminary and Detailed Design/Tender Preparation |
$100,000 |
Conceptual Plan Construction (Including 20% contingency) |
$993,175 |
Construction Management (estimated at 3.5%) |
$34,760 |
|
|
Total |
$1,127,935 |
|
|
Revenues: |
|
Gas Tax |
$64,000 |
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program |
$500,000 |
|
|
Total |
$564,000 |
Remaining to be funded through Municipal Park Reserve: $ 563,935
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Community: Promote and advance health and wellness opportunities for residents
Enhance recreational and cultural opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors
Financial Impact:
Cost: $563,935
Source of Funding: Municipal Park Restricted Surplus