Attachment 3: Project Summary C-122 – Watkiss Way Community Park Development
Financial plan summary for the park development, including historical budget use and carry-forward amounts.
Project Summary
Priority: Optimal
Project Name: Watkiss Way Community Park development Project Codes: 2-2-11303-310 CC1241, 1-2-07250-580 Submitted by: I. Leung, Director of Engineering
Executive Summary
This project would be Phase 2 in the creation of a new community park, located adjacent to the HandyDART site. The Town has signed a long-term lease of the Ministry lands in this location and the site has already been cleared, grubbed, and prepared (2022-2026 Financial Plan Project Summary C-122).
Engagement work commenced in 2023 with construction proposed in 2024.
Business problem and opportunity
Engagement with the neighbourhood is expected to be completed by end of 2023, to listen to what the community would like to see in this space. At this point there have been two prominent ideas for the space: a dog park and/or community garden in this area. Staff will report back to Council regarding these opportunities per Council Resolution C-112-21 (off leash park opportunities).
Proposed project objectives
Once neighbourhood engagement and consultation with Council has been completed, staff will develop an overall design and priorities plan for the installation of the new amenity. The proposed budget, established in 2023, considered both design costs and installation costs of a potential dog park and/or community garden.
Business risks
Depending on the full build out costs, the project may need to be phased to subsequent years. This will be further informed as part of the design and priorities plan process that will take place after the engagement phase is completed (year end 2023).
Proposed sources of funding
- Capital: Community Works Fund
- Operational: Taxation
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 171,700 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 171,700 |
| Operational | 0 | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 5,500 |
| Total | 171,700 | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 177,200 |
Benefits
- Tangible: Improved access to more parks for the surrounding community
- Intangible: Aligns with Council’s direction to find suitable space for a park in the neighbourhood
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2024-2028 Financial Plan include Watkiss Way Community Park development in 2024 to be funded by Community Works Fund.
Additional Information
Location: on Watkiss Way near intersection with Burnside Rd.
Council resolution C-112-21 October 19, 2021
THAT staff report at a future date on off-leash park and playground opportunities in the central and east Burnside Neighbourhood and the west Hospital Neighbourhood.
Carryforward information:
- 2023 Budget: $15,000
- 2023 Budget Used: $13,300
- Carryforward to 2024: $1,700 (for Presentation to Council January 2024)
- 2024 Budget in 2023-2027 Financial Plan: $170,000
- Total 2024 Budget: $171,700