Title
Tomahawk Lagoon Desludging 2022 Funding Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve up to $350,000 in expenditures for the Tomahawk Lagoon Renewal project funded by debt borrowing as per Bylaw 2022-04.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion, as presented. Approval of this motion will provide opportunity for Administration to complete the proposed desludging activities in 2022, which in turn will ensure the project stays on schedule for completion by end of 2023. Defeat of the motion will push the project completion timeline to 2024.
Purpose
To complete desludging of the Tomahawk Lagoon in 2022 to facilitate the capital project scheduled for the 2023 budget year.
Summary
Due to the amount of sludge in the Tomahawk Lagoon, desludging will be required prior to reconstruction of the lagoon berm and floor liners. Desludging methodologies require the lagoon to be near full so a floating dredge can be used to remove the sludge. Typically, desludge operations occur in the fall so the sludge can be applied to agricultural land after crops have been removed. Therefore, to facilitate reconstruction of the lagoon liner in 2023, it is recommended the lagoon be desludged in 2022.
Cost estimates obtained by Engineering Services indicate desludging the Tomahawk lagoon will cost approximately $350,000.
It is important to note this is not an increase from the previously proposed project budget of $2,172,100. To date, there has been $200,000 approved by Council to confirm the strategy (rehabilitate versus rebuild/replace) and to complete detailed design for the recommended activities. In 2023, Administration was anticipating a budget request for the remaining $1,972,100 to complete the construction components of the project.
At this time, as there has been an advantageous timeline identified to complete desludging, Administration is requesting Council approve $350,000 to complete this portion of work. Approval of this request will ensure Administration is able to stay ahead of schedule on this initiative. The total project budget remains the same.
Given the current recommendation to rehabilitate versus rebuild/replace, Administration anticipates the proposed project value will be adjusted downward. This will be confirmed during 2023 budget discussions and current market pricing at that time for the remaining activities.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principal 3.2 - We responsibly manage growth to protect our region’s biodiversity and the natural environment, while supporting a balance of land uses and strategic development.
Guiding Principal 4.1 We are recognized leaders in municipal governance, managing our resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we leave a vibrant and resilient community legacy to those that follow us.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $350,000
Source of Funding: Debt Borrowing as per Bylaw 2022-04