Title
Municipal Agreement with the River Valley Alliance (RVA)
Proposed Motion(s)
That Council authorize Administration to execute the Municipal Funding Agreement with the River Valley Alliance.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Execution of the agreement will provide the approval and funding necessary to proceed with the Parkland County RVA Plan of Action projects.
Summary
Parkland County is a proud, shareholding member of the RVA, and has three projects planned along the North Saskatchewan River Valley as part of the RVA's overall Plan of Action. They include:
- Prospectors Point Day Use Park Site Upgrades
- Secondary Trail Development east of Prospectors Point Day Use Park to RR262
- potential Trail Development from the end of the Secondary Trail out to the Devonian Gardens
The RVA has obtained funding for the Plan of Action projects from the Province of Alberta and the Federal Government. The Municipal Agreement outlines the terms and conditions Parkland County must adhere to in order to secure portions of that funding for the identified County projects. Funding coverage for the projects is based on each level of government contributing a third of the funding required for the projects. The RVA is responsible for administering the Provincial and Federal portions or two thirds of the cost. The Municipal Agreement is based primarily on terms and conditions the RVA must adhere to in order to meet those set by the Province of Alberta and the Federal Government for the funding they have provided. The term for the agreement ends as of February 28, 2017. Municipal Agreements have already been executed between the RVA and Devon, Fort Saskatchewan and Strathcona County for their respective Plan of Action Projects.
Parkland County allocated and approved the one third funding required for Prospectors Point Day Use Park Site and the Secondary Trail piece as part of the 2012 Operating Budget. The third project, the Devonian Garden Trail Link, has been tentatively approved by Parkland County, but funding has not been approved at this point in time. Administration received support from Council in June of this year to develop a Concept Plan for this project (Attachment). The goal being to secure more detailed information on the project with respect to design, alignment and costs so Council has a more complete information package from which to make a decision on with regards to this project. The intent is to bring the completed Concept Plan on the Devonian Garden Trail Link back to Council in the April of 2014 for final consideration and decision.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Quality of Life - Goal #1 - Parkland County is a diverse and inclusive community that will balance the needs of its people and provide a choice of lifestyles in a harmonious and safe environment.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A
Other (As Required)