EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - JANUARY 18, 2017
The Committee adopted a resolution to concur in the recommendation contained in the report. Recommendation #4 does not require City Council approval.
Mayor Michael Fougere, Councillors: Bob Hawkins (Chairperson), Sharron Bryce, Lori Bresciani, John Findura, Jason Mancinelli, Joel Murray, Mike O’Donnell, Andrew Stevens and Barbara Young were present during consideration of this report by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee, at its meeting held on January 18, 2017, considered the following report from the Administration:
RECOMMENDATION
1. That the following projects be approved for funding as part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (the Program):
(1) Rehabilitation of Four Spray Parks;
(2) Upgraded Lighting in Four Indoor Ice Arenas;
(3) Upgraded Lighting at the Lawson Aquatic Centre and the Field House.
2. That City Council grant the City Manager or designate the authority to negotiate and approve the Contribution Agreements for projects submitted for funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
3. That the City Clerk be authorized to sign the applicable funding agreements on behalf of the City once the agreements have been reviewed and approved by the City Solicitor.
4. That this report be forwarded to the January 30, 2017 meeting of City Council.
CONCLUSION
On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Member of Parliament for Regina-Wascana and Mayor Fougere participated in a media event, announcing several approved Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program projects across the province. This announcement included the three projects specific to the City of Regina, as noted above. Subsequently, federal Contribution Agreements were received by the Administration for review and approval. To facilitate and initiate construction of the projects, the Contribution Agreements must be signed and executed in short order due to the timelines involved with completion of the projects.
BACKGROUND
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada’s celebration of our country’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. Through investments in community infrastructure, the Government of Canada will invest in projects that celebrate our heritage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
The first intake for applications under this Program occurred in mid-2015. The City of Regina (City), through this process, received funding in the amount of $200,000 for the North West Leisure Centre. This project involved renovations to the indoor swimming pool that included the installation of ultraviolet secondary water treatment equipment and upgrading of the lighting.
The Government of Canada’s 2016 Budget provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada’s Regional Development Agencies to deliver community funding across the country in 2016-17. The Program looked to invest in projects supporting the renovation, expansion and improvements to existing community infrastructure, with a focus on recreational facilities, projects that advance a clear growth economy, and projects with a positive impact on Indigenous communities. The Program’s criteria includes funding up to 50% of the total project costs, up to a maximum of $500,000 and all projects must be materially completed by March 31, 2018.
DISCUSSION
Details on the three approved projects are described below:
(1) Rehabilitation of Four Spray Parks:
The City operates and maintains 15 spray pads throughout the city. Many of these spray pads have met their life expectancy or provide very little play value. This project would provide improvements to four spray pads that are high priority: Gocki Park Spray Pad, Maple Ridge Park Spray Pad, Parkridge Park Spray Pad, and Rick Hansen Optimist Spray Pad. The objective of this project is to update and renovate old and outdated spray pads by retrofitting new spray elements to the existing spray pads.
Total project costs: $500,000
$250,000 Government of Canada funding
$250,000 City of Regina funding
(2) Upgraded Lighting in Four Indoor Ice Arenas:
Four of the City’s indoor ice arenas (Murray Balfour, Jack Hamilton, Clarence Mahon and Jack Staples) were constructed in the 1970s with similar design. This renovation project at each arena will involve replacement of the original 400W high bay metal halide lighting fixtures that illuminate the arena playing surface. The new playing surface lights will increase the lighting levels to current standards, while utilizing modern, energy efficient, LED lighting fixtures. The lighting improvements will result in reduced energy consumption and improve the user experience.
Total project costs: $373,000
$186,500 Government of Canada funding
$186,500 City of Regina funding
(3) Upgraded Lighting at the Lawson Aquatic Centre and the Field House:
The Lawson Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1974. The lighting system in the pool cell and emergency lighting throughout the facility has not undergone any significant enhancements since construction.
This lighting improvement project at the Lawson Aquatic Facility indoor pool will increase the light levels and lighting quality to meet current standards within the pool cell. These changes will result in energy efficient lighting equipment being utilized and a reduction in energy consumption, and improvement to the customer experience. The emergency lighting upgrades at the Field House will include an upgrade to existing emergency and exit lighting to meet current codes and standards.
Total project costs: $400,000
$200,000 Government of Canada funding
$200,000 City of Regina funding
RECOMMENDATION IMPLICATIONS
Financial Implications
The Government of Canada, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, will contribute 50 per cent of the cost of each project approved.
The City of Regina funding for these projects is currently included in the 2017 Facilities Asset Management Program (General Capital Fund) within the proposed 2017 budget that will be discussed by Council at the special budget meeting occurring February 13, 2017.
Environmental Implications
The upgraded lighting at the Lawson Aquatic Centre and the lighting at the four indoor ice arenas is anticipated to provide a 25 per cent energy savings, compared to the existing lighting systems.
Policy and/or Strategic Implications
None with respect to this report.
Other Implications
The new indoor ice arena surface lighting improvements will result in reduced energy consumption.
The upgraded lighting at the Lawson Aquatic Centre and the Field House will result in a reduction in energy consumption.
Accessibility Implications
None with respect to this report.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Contribution Agreements contain a Communications Protocol which will be adhered to.
DELEGATED AUTHORITY
That Council, under section 35 of The Administration Bylaw, grant the City Manager the authority to negotiate and approve the funding agreement(s) for projects submitted for funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
Respectfully submitted,
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jim Nicol, Secretary