ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 4, 2002
Author/Local: J. Dingwall/6680

RTS NO. 02552

CC File No. 1602/5762

Council: March 5, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	2002 Street Rehabilitation Program

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council approve funding of $1,000,000 in advance of the 2002 Streets Capital Budget to permit early commencement of the 2002 Street Capital Rehabilitation Program.

COUNCIL POLICY

Street Capital reconstruction is approved by Council as part of the annual Streets Capital Budget.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to advance funding to allow for the rehabilitation of non-MRN (Major Road Network) arterial streets such as Joyce Street and Victoria Drive in advance of the 2002 Streets Basic Capital Budget.

DISCUSSION

Several non-MRN arterial streets are in need of rehabilitation, including:

Joyce Street between Kingsway and Vanness Street
Victoria Drive between 33rd Avenue and Hull Street
33rd Avenue between Main Street and Fraser Street
Main Street between 16th Avenue and 28th Avenue

Due to the significant amount of paving work required just to maintain Vancouver's streets in their existing condition, it is necessary to schedule work early in the year. Thisallows the City's work force to evenly distribute paving throughout the year and carry out more street work outside the tourist season.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS

Financial

Funding and approval for the rehabilitation of arterial streets is traditionally given by Council when approving the Streets Basic Capital Budget. Non-MRN arterial reconstruction, designated as Project A-1a1, is proposed to comprise $1.9 million of the approximately $14 million Streets Capital Budget recommended for 2002.

$1,000,000 of Project A-1a1 funding is requested in advance of the 2002 Streets Basic Capital Budget.

Social

By launching our paving program earlier in the year, we can complete more work before the tourist season. All of our highly visible projects help to beautify the city and maintain its reputation as a safe and clean tourist destination.

Rebuilding, maintaining, and improving our roads, medians, and sidewalks is a tangible demonstration that we are working to make sure that Vancouver remains one of the world's most livable cities.

Environmental

The timely rehabilitation of streets reduces the need for full roadway reconstruction (please refer to article entitled "Paving the Way" on page 3 of the attached Road Ahead Newsletter) and reduces our demand for raw materials. Furthermore, these preventative maintenance projects produce ground asphalt that is then used in the production of new asphalt (up to 15%), for road base, lanes and trench backfill. Lastly, an improved or smooth street mitigates damage to vehicles from potholes and rough roadways.

CONCLUSION

Advanced funding of $1,000,000 is required for the rehabilitation of non-MRN (Major Road Network) arterial streets to ensure that City forces have ample opportunities to carry out needed rehabilitation work during warm weather. Moreover, it will allow more paving work to take place outside of the tourist season.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver