Deputy Director of Engineering Ray Ford addresses Belleville city council during the 2017 budget debate, October 25, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville began its three-day 2017 capital budget debate Monday, with city council looking at a proposed $36.2 million total.
The proposed capital budget represents a 3.4 % tax increase.
One of the biggest moves came when Councillor Paul Carr called for the diversion of $2.3 million in gas tax, designated for the Catherine Street pedestrian bridge, to road work.
A staff report indicated it would be difficult to get the bridge underway before 2018. Councillor Carr:
In other road work, $2.5 million has been earmarked for construction of the extension of Haig Road and Station Street to connect in 2017, 75% of that money would be through development charges.
The city hopes to obtain $3 million in government grants for the Cedar Street watermain and storm sewer rehabilitation. This would include replacement of the watermain, sanitary sewer repairs and the reconstruction of the road.
The debate continues on Tuesday.
Mineral Road and Maitland Drive
City Hall is also banking on receiving $3 million in government grants to undertake Cedar Street watermain and storm sewer upgrades.
“The watermain on Cedar Street is experiencing water quality issues,” states a report to council indicating the need to replace the circa 1920s installations. “This project would include the replacement of the watermain, sanitary sewer repairs and the reconstruction of the road including storm sewer.”
City Hall is also banking on receiving $3 million in government grants to undertake Cedar Street watermain and storm sewer upgrades.
“The watermain on Cedar Street is experiencing water quality issues,” states a report to council indicating the need to replace the circa 192o installation. “This project would include the replacement of the watermain, sanitary sewer repairs and the reconstruction of the road including storm sewer.”
Belleville council is also considering a staff proposal that an extra $1.7 million be added to the Mineral Road and Maitland Drive project, which sits at $10 million.
Councillor Paul Carr noted that the project was delayed by the consultant which he said was responsible for $1 million. He said the consultant’s delay was “disappointing.”
He said it was in a “highly intensified growth area”.
Councillors expressed concerns about sidewalks on one or two sides, the possibility of a roundabout, and whether or not there would be bike lanes. Councillor Egerton Boyce said he hoped council would “strongly consider a multi-purpose trail” on the road.
The issue will be debated again later during the budget deliberations.
