The City of Richmond is requesting nearly $3 million from the federal government as part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Fund, which aims to celebrate the country’s 150th anniversary in 2017.
The city has identified 10 projects that meet the funding criteria priorities, namely that they be recreational facilities, and are energy efficient. As well, the projects must be aimed at renovation or expansion of existing infrastructure, be community-oriented, non-commercial in nature and open to the public.
Up to 50 per cent of total costs or a maximum of $500,000 per project may be granted by the federal government, as it has earmarked $46 million for Western Canada for projects to be completed by March 2018.
For example, the city is asking money for two projects at the Richmond Olympic Oval. One is a sports field upgrade at the front of the Oval. The city is seeking to install an artificial turf for uses such as soccer and field hockey. The other project is to improve the indoor track. The city wants to glue the track down to the concrete floor for better stability.
If the city doesn’t get money for any particular project, it doesn’t mean it won’t be completed. In fact, all of the projects have funding approvals from the city in 2015 or 2016.
The city is also seeking money to repair Steveston Pool. According to a staff report late last month, the pool will take 8-10 weeks to fix, temporarily. The pool’s fibreglass lining has failed and will cost $450,000 to fix.
Projects include (Completion date/Cost):
South Arm Community Centre – Renovations to fitness centre and roof replacement. (Fall 2017/$1.1 million)
Steveston Pool Lining Repair – Relining the pool and washroom upgrades. (Summer 2017/$450,000)
Middle Arm Hollybridge Pier – A planned 500-square metre landmark pier south of the Dinsmore Bridge, paid in part by development. (Fall 2017/$1.9 million)
Railway Greenway Trail Extension – Expansion of the Greenway from Westminster Highway to River Road — a 4-metre-wide paved path. (Fall 2017/$440,000)
Track Zone improvements at the Oval – Performance upgrades for the indoor track. (January 2018/$252,000)
Brighouse Park Fieldhouse – Roof and observation deck maintenance. (Spring 2017/$250,000)
Lang Park Redevelopment – Construction of a new interactive water feature. (December 2017/$1.2 million)
Facility Energy Management Program – Various energy system upgrades to civic facilities to lower carbon emissions. Includes $150,000 solar panel installation for Richmond City Hall. (December 2017/$653,000)
Sports Field Upgrade at the Oval – A new artificial turf and other amenity upgrades (lighting and fencing). (Summer 2017/$500,000)
Solar Panels at Brighouse Firehall No. 1 – Solar panels for Brighouse Firehall No. 1. The panels are expected to provide the station with one-third of its electricity needs. (December 2017/$500,000)
