Project Summary C-012: Island Hwy upgrades – Helmcken Rd to Beaumont Ave
Full road reconstruction including bike lanes and rain gardens, deferred pending grant approval.
Island Hwy upgrades – Helmcken Rd to Beaumont Ave
Project Summary - C-012
Financial Plan 2026 – 2030
Priority: Required
Public Engagement: Inform
Reference Numbers: 2-2-11105-310 CC 1111, 1-2-03200-630 CC 320-02
Submitted by: Ivan Leung, Director Ivan Leung, Transportation Services
Executive Summary
Staff recommend deletion. This project was included in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan, initially scheduled for 2024. 2024-2028 budget deliberations pushed the scheduled date to 2028 due to (1) development potential because of a land assembly in the area; (2) a need to ensure that the design at the intersection interfaces properly with the Island Hwy Design work in progress between Helmcken and the Colwood Interchange; and (3) seek alternative grant programs.
The design for the Island Highway between Helmcken Road and Beaumont Avenue is complete and construction is budget / grant funding dependent. Staff have not been successful in obtaining the grants in the past.
Business problem and opportunity
This request identifies the funds required to construct the project in the future, pending grant application approvals. It is likely the Town will require funding for some of the works past centre line on Island Highway.
Staff will continue to look for funding to make application for this project. The Provincial Active Transportation Grant may be a viable option. However, the Town has applied this grant to other projects with a higher priority.
Proposed project objectives
To complete road reconstruction for the Island Highway from Helmcken Road to Beaumont Avenue. While the design includes bike lanes, separated sidewalks, as well as rain gardens and left/right turning movements, some further adjustments may be required to support the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan.
Business risks
Staff are waiting for a successful grant application prior to proceeding with the construction of the project. It is expected that construction costs have inflated since the initial cost estimate for this project. Estimates will be revised once grant programs are available for application.
Proposed sources of funding
Capital – Construction:
- DCCs up to $891,000 and Casino revenue $124,000 (total ~ 1/3)
- Federal/Provincial infrastructure grant (2/3) $2,000,000 (pending grant approval). Grant stacking is required.
Operational:
- Taxation (landscape maintenance assumed to be same level of service as Island Hwy, from Plowright Road to Portage Park)
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,015,000 | 0 | 3,015,000 |
| Operational | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,015,000 | 0 | 3,015,000 |
Benefits
- Tangible: Provides improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- Intangible: Will be informed by the Town’s upcoming Active Transportation Network Plan
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include Island Hwy upgrades – Helmcken Rd to Beaumont Ave to be funded by Casino revenue, DCCs, and Federal/Provincial grants (pending approval) and ongoing operational costs by taxation.