The first order of business for the District of Invermere’s newest council Dec. 13 meant they had to scurry in order for administrative staff to submit a grant application in time for the development of bike paths, walkways and related features.

Council unanimously agreed to direct Rory Hromadnik, Director Development Services, to finalize an application under the Community Recreation Program for $688,350, including contingency.

“The direction taken in preparing this grant application is to identify the active transportation elements that have not been completed under previous initiatives that will further enhance the connectivity and active, healthy transportation options available within the district boundaries,” Hromadnik stated in his report to council. “The plan also sets up the district for future regional pathway connection options.  Recent funding for pathways has included the federal Recreational Infrastructure grants received for the Westside Pathway system, Mount Nelson Athletic Park as well as the provincial Local Motion funding received.

“The multi use trails and pathways being applied for total 8.97 kms and include a small amount of formal concrete sidewalk on 5th Street and 15^thAvenue, significant asphalt and gravel pathway connections as well as amenity features including dog stations, benches, bear proof garbage cans, picnic tables and signage.

“A key component of this grant application is the establishment of pathway systems in Athalmer along the Toby Creek corridor, Panorama Drive and the wetland along the Third Avenue dike that will connect with existing pathways developed in the district, specifically 13th Avenue, north of J.A. Laird and 6^th Avenue near the museum,” Hromadnik explained, noting to council that a decision had to be made during the meeting because “it’s really quite a tight cutoff” for the grant applications, with a deadline of Dec. 28.

“One of the key conditions of this grant process is to have a project shelf ready.  The proposed components are shelf ready with the base plan in place and partially implemented.  Pre-design of the trail types is also completed under the Active Transportation Plan,” he continued.

“The grant program is funded up to 80% ($550,680) by the province with the district being responsible for the remaining 20% ($137,670). The estimated cost of the proposed project is based on rates received for previous works completed on our trail program and includes a 30% contingency for unknown conditions and requirements.  The district could fund our portion from the Community Works Funding (Gas Tax Funding) that is targeted towards alternate forms of transportation.  To date the district has received approximately $ 848,460.92 in gas tax funding from UBCM to date,” Hromadnik said, reiterating that the district has “more than enough” money in the gas tax fund to cover its end of the costs. “The dollars are there,” he said.

District chief administrative officer Chris Prosser told council that other jurisdictions in the region are also angling for Community Recreation Program funding, including the Village of Canal Flats for arena upgrades and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), and the province only has $30 million available for all municipalities and regional districts to access. The RDEK has applications in for upgrades to the Invermere crossroads ball diamonds, for an outdoor rink at Wasa and an outdoor rink at Jaffray.

Mayor Gerry Taft pointed out to council that the recent RDEK board meeting yielded a take on the grant program as being “not the best” because it causes jurisdictions to “compete with each other” for funding.

Prosser said he believes the district has an edge because it is proposing an shovel-ready project, and warned that it is likely the town won’t get all it is asking for.

“My guess is we’ll be in around the $200,000 range. For those communities that aren’t ready, they may miss the boat on this,” he said.

Taft noted that the addition of more pathways would be a bonus for the district but that money can’t help “with our larger problems,” such as infrastructure upgrades.

Council eagerly supported the application for the grant.

“Kudos to the staff for being shovel-ready,” remarked Coun. Greg Anderson.

“Any section we get done can be deemed successful. I think this is a really good decision,” added Coun. Justin Atterbury.

Coun. Spring Hawes said it makes sense to apply for the money. “We’re half way through this plan – it seems a good idea to carry on and finish,” she said.

“This is a good example of why we need to have plans in place,” pointed out Coun. Paul Denchuk.

“If the grant is awarded, design and tender documents will be initiated.  It is anticipated that this process will require approximately one month to complete. Staff will administer the tender and award and will be required to continue working with the successful contractor to oversee construction activities,” Hromadnik outlined.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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