Greenway Timeline May Be Stetched

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Thursday, 12 January 2012 13:22

Stranks says in a report, "Changing the previously proposed next phase of works from 30th Street between 25th Avenue and 32nd Avenue would significantly reduce the cost of construction for 2012. This phase has a significant cost, resulting from the additional effort required when working in a commercial business area. By changing the proposed location of the works and reducing the scope from seven blocks to two blocks, the costs for the next phase would be significantly reduced." The first two phases between 43rd and 48th Avenues on 29th Street were completed for 3.3 million dollars, but some merchants complained about the impact of the construction on their business, including at least one store that shut down.  The next phase is set for 29th Street between 41st and 43rd avenues this year, but that could be changed to reduce costs.  City staff are asking council to extend Vernon's Polson Greenway Project, from five years to nine. The phased initiative is creating a new green transportation link from Polson Park to the north end of the city, adding biking and walking lanes. Engineering Development Manager Ed Stranks says due to the global downturn and the local impact of that, the city's development cost charge reserves have diminished over the last few years, adding it will take eight years to fund the project to completion. "By increasing the five year plan for completion to nine years or longer, the city will be able to continue the project and not adversely impact other annual significant capital project demands."