The Pothole Park entrance to downtown Invermere, along main street, is going to receive almost $800,000 in upgrade work, with a June 30 completion deadline.

District of Invermere council March 13 unanimously approved the awarding of a tender for the 7^th Avenue/Pothole Park-side work, to Cap Ventures for $787,707.20 including HST.

“This contract allows for the completion of upgrades to the 7th Avenue approach to the downtown core from Pothole Park Plaza to the 7th Avenue and 9th Street junction at AG foods / Parkside Place,” reported district chief administrative officer Chris Prosser.

He explained that the proposed work won’t cost Invermere taxpayers any additional money as the funds are coming from a Provincial Towns for Tomorrow grant ($400,000), with the rest coming from the Community Works Funding (gas tax) and the Resort Development Strategy initiatives.

The project has been a council priority since 2008, Prosser said, adding the bid tender was the second process the district has undertaken, with one conducted in the fall of 2011 being shut down due to lack of bids. Things were different this time around, he said, noting four competitive bids were received, including that filed by the Surrey-based Cap Ventures.

“The goal of the program during its development was to extend and connect the downtown core to Pothole Park by beautifying the downtown commercial approach through the development of a new west side of 7th Avenue pedestrian connection that is safe, fully accessible, adds non motorized options, maintains the benefits of the current  business / park transition.  During development the form and character of this project was seen as being very important in guiding future design standards for improvements along 7thAvenue within the commercial core as funding becomes available,” Prosser reported to council.

He also outlined that road work portion of the project is to be completed by May 18 and the entire project is to be finished by June 30.

“It will be ready for summer,” he said, noting there is a $5,000 a day penalty to the company for missing that target date.

“It’s nothing but positive,” said Coun. Greg Anderson.

Mayor Gerry Taft it is “exciting” for the district to be undertaking two large projects at the same time, pointing out the amenities building at Kinsmen Beach is under construction as well.

“It will make a really good impression on people as they enter downtown,” said Coun. Justin Atterbury.

Coun. Spring Hawes said it will be a great project for the town, but warned residents and visitors to be aware of upcoming traffic issues as a result of the work.

“It is going to interrupt traffic for a couple of months,” she said, asking people for their patience.

The specific items proposed to be to be completed in the upgrade work include:

–           7th avenue expansion (350m2) to the west of the existing 7th avenue right of way;

–           Slope Stabilization and erosion control;

–           Intersection and accessibility improvements along  7th avenue and at the intersection of 7th avenue 9th Street including installation of two new accessible crossings and the reconstruction of two others;

–          230 lineal meters of 2.5 m wide concrete sidewalks linking Pothole Plaza to downtown;

–           340 lineal meter of curb and gutter along 7th avenue and 9th street;

–           Storm sewer extensions and catch basin relocations;

–           40m water main extension on 9th avenue;

–           Streetscape and landscaping including 13 additional street trees, a vegetated planting border along 7th avenue, viewpoint with rest / viewing features and irrigation which will stub out to expansion possibilities in the future;

–           Street and Sidewalk lighting which includes tree lighting, LED pedestrian bollards and 4 LED decorative Street Lights;

–           Room for a future bike lane;

–           Re-marking of all parking and pedestrian features.

Prosser also noted to council that bike lanes will be incorporated into the work, through extra width being added to both lanes.

To see designs for the work go to: https://invermere.civicweb.net/FileStorage/5A195A15F7B54091ADF8A4995C6C6697-Workspace7tth%20Ave%20Design.pdf

To see the bid report go to: https://invermere.civicweb.net/FileStorage/E222CE76A1754D8DB39BEDFCED271733-Workspace2012-03-12-Let-Invermere-7thAve-Recommend.pdf

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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