Title
Fallis Drainage Improvements
Proposed Motion
That Council approve $500,000 of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Capital grant funding towards the Fallis Drainage Improvements
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To complete construction of drainage improvements in the Fallis area to alleviate ongoing drainage concerns and issues in the area.
Summary
Fallis residents along 1 A Street have been impacted by overland drainage restrictions and localized flooding challenges. They have been voicing their concerns regarding the drainage to Administration for an extended period. Property owners have provided input to elected officials as well and frustrations are continuing to grow. Smaller scale improvements and attempts to address issues have been completed in the past with mixed results; often not resulting in long term solutions or not fully addressing the issues. In 2019, Administration committed financial resources to complete a detailed analysis and to develop a high-level strategic analysis for the drainage patterns in the area.
The high-level analysis of drainage patterns in the area has now been completed and Administration has conducted numerous community engagement discussions with affected property owners. A detailed drainage improvement plan has been initiated and is nearly ready for implementation. Subject to funding approvals by Council, this could be started as early as fall 2020. Design work will be finalized by early October 2020 and there remains an opportunity to complete some of the most significant improvements this year. This is late season construction work is less impacted by cooler weather and can be completed ahead of spring runoff in 2021. Some of the work is best done during frozen ground conditions as it will be less invasive in the wetland areas and better managed in poorly drained/ saturated soils.
The improvement strategy includes eight specific locations, some isolated and some inter-connected. These locations are identified on the attached plan. Proposed work includes site grading, ditch establishment, clearing/grubbing of vegetation, installation of swales, disposing of obstacles and removal of blockages, etc. Primarily, the activities include reestablishing drainage channels and improving existing channels. In one area a short section of concrete swale will be installed where a typical drainage ditch is not possible. In the “walkway” area identified on the attached, a boardwalk will be installed to stay above the drainage channel and ensure pedestrian access to the lake remains. Staff have been in close contact with many area residents to ensure strategies and site sensitive and fit within the established area. This plan is anticipated to be carried out over fall 2020 and summer 2021; all of it weather depending and subject to water levels at the time of construction. Initial phases of work will be directed to the southern areas of the plan (see attached) as these will have a greatest impact and will address the areas of greatest concern.
The estimated cost to complete the proposed work is $500,000. This value includes the construction, construction administration and engineering supervision throughout the project. Funding is expected to come from MSI Capital Grant funding. Funding the entire project is recommended as that will ensure Administration can work from one stage to the next without delay and will provide assurance to the community that the full project will be completed. Efficiencies will be gained regarding our Environmental approvals and construction contract tendering.
Administration highlights risks with the timeline of the work proposed. Schedule delays may be incurred during contract tendering process, obtaining Alberta Environment and Parks approvals, with underground utility locates, with weather or other site-specific challenges as the project moves from final design approval into construction. There is a delicate balance between trying to provide a high level of customer/ residential service and the push into late season work. If started and winter weather closes in, there is little to no impact to tasks and they can be picked up in 2021 where it gets left off. If the desired 2020 tasks get completed, the residents can expect an easier spring melt with reduced impact from the spring wet season.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principle 1.2 - We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, trails and technology
Guiding Principle 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
Financial Impact:
Cost: $500,000
Source of Funding: MSI Capital Grant