Thursday, November 22 ~ COLWOOD.
by West Shore Voice News
Colwood has earned several grants totalling $104,000 that will be used to advance the City’s ambitious long-term asset management planning efforts.
“Colwood manages more than $350 million in capital assets, and these plans are required to ensure those assets continue to serve the community well into the future, in the most cost effective way,” it was stated in a City of Colwood release today.
“This funding allows Colwood to ensure that the infrastructure needs of our community today do not compromise future generations – and to do it without impacting tax rates.”
Pavement Condition Assessment: Grants totaling $64,000. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has awarded Colwood a $49,440 Municipal Asset Management Program grant to complete a Pavement Condition Assessment. This will provide an analysis and inventory of existing road assets that will allow the City to prioritize and budget for road repair and replacement over time. An additional grant of $14,560 was provided through the Union of BC Municipalities 2018 Asset Management Planning Program. Together, these grants will cover the cost of the project.
Stormwater Management Plan: Grants totaling $40,000. Colwood’s Stormwater Master Plan has earned $40,000 in funding from the Canada General Strategic Priorities Fund. The Stormwater Management Plan will provide a framework for reducing flood risks, protecting the health of streams and waterways, and planning for the repair and replacement of existing drainage systems. Central to the plan is reliance on natural assets such as trees, slopes, and waterways, to manage stormwater without the addition of costly pipes wherever possible.
The City’s drainage and road infrastructure comprise over 53% of the municipality’s total asset inventory, making the Pavement Condition Assessment and Stormwater Management Plan “such essential pieces” of the City’s overall asset management program.
Added to other plans and studies, the City has prepared detailed plans for over 75% of its assets.
In 2019, the City says it will undertake a Parks Master Plan and establish parks service levels to further complement its asset management plan.
The City’s Sustainable Infrastructure Plan will be released in January 2019, detailing all City assets, and recommending sustainable infrastructure funding for future generations in Colwood.
The next City of Colwood Regular Council Meeting is on Monday November 26 at 7 pm in Colwood council chambers. www.colwood.ca