The proposed 2016 capital budget, tabled by city staff at a finance committee meeting Monday, is the lowest in four years, at $104 million. Funding for the projects will come from various sources, including: Reserves ($62 million); surplus ($12 million); development charges ($27 million); and external sources ($4 million).
Among the projects are:
No. 2 Road widening - $7.3 million – Using a $3.5 million federal infrastructure grant, the city will add an additional turning lane, “where warranted,” between Steveston Highway and Dyke Road. A bike lane will also be installed. The Two Road makeover will be complete by the end of 2017.
Dyke Road widening and Fraserwood Trail connection - $1 million – This project is aimed to alleviate some concerns from the newly formed Dyke Road Residents’ Association, which is concerned about McRae’s Environmental Services operating its worksyard across from the residential area. Seven hundred metres of road will be widened and a multi-use path will be built for pedestrians and cyclists.
Water main replacements – $11 million – Richmond can get soggy and various routine projects will help keep the city dry.
Garden City Lands Phase 2 - $3.1 million – Work will commence on ensuring the bog’s water systems protect the bog ecosystem. Trees will be planted along the perimeter trail and a trail network and picnic areas will be created.
Parkland acquisition - $8 million – This money may be used toward properties along the Fraser River’s Middle Arm, for a future park, however, according to parks manager Mike Redpath, the city is also in talks with the Richmond School District to purchase land that could be deemed as excess following school closures.
Strategic land acquisition - $21 million – Land deals are made behind closed doors, however the city likely needs to purchase land for a new museum.
Proposed one-time additional expenses from city reserve accounts:
Steveston Harbour log debris removal - $30,000 - Although the harbour is a federal responsibility and a poorly maintained sheer boom is contributing to debris entering the harbour, the city will spend its own money to protect its assets, namely a pier at the end of No. 2 Road.
Richmond World Festival - $300,000 - If approved, the second coming of the city-planned event will likely take place on Labour Day weekend.
Heritage inventory - $150,000 - The last time the city reviewed its heritage buildings was in 1989. This money will be used to determine what buildings should be protected.
Update expired Community Wellness Strategy - $75,000 - City staff will create a recreation and sport strategic plan to guide the planning and delivery of wellness, sport and recreation services. This will complement an updated wellness strategy.
Richmond museum development plan - $200,000 - Per council’s request, the city is exploring building a new museum. Council has recently had in-camera meetings on the issue, suggesting the city may be looking to purchase land for the facility.
