ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: February 20, 2001
Author/Local: D. Bracewell/6440

RTS No. 01906

CC File No. 1805/8200

Council: March 6, 2001

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Award of Consulting Contract: False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT the contract for undertaking of the False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study be awarded to Delcan Corporation, at an estimated fee of $70,000, including GST and disbursements, from the Streets Basic Capital Account.

B. THAT the General Manager of Engineering Services be authorized to enter into a Professional Services Agreement contract with Delcan Corporation in consultation with the Director of Legal Services.

POLICY

Consultant contracts over $30,000 are to be approved by Council.

Council approved the Terms of Reference and undertaking of the False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study on July 25, 2000.

PURPOSE

This report recommends that the contract for the undertaking of the False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study be awarded to Delcan Corporation.

BACKGROUND

The City of Vancouver is committed to providing a safe and effective network of pedestrian and cycling routes to Downtown. Presently, pedestrians and recreational and commutercyclists are able to cross False Creek by use or private ferry systems and three higher level bridges. While these existing facilities are functional, there have been many alternatives or enhancements suggested to the existing False Creek crossings that would help improve access from adjoining neighbourhoods and the convenience to pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedestrian and cycle routes will be an important element in the City's Downtown Transportation Plan. Since the Downtown Transportation Plan does not deal specifically with bridge access to downtown, Council approved in July of 2000 the funding and terms of reference for retaining consulting services to analyze the need and potential means for improved pedestrian and cycling crossings across False Creek.

The study will be coordinated with the Downtown Transportation Plan team and require significant public participation and consultation. A task force representing specific stakeholders and City staff will be formed in addition to a broader public consultation process. The scope of the study includes examining the costs and benefits of potential crossings and assessing the impacts of all existing and potential crossing options on current transportation facilities, land use, and communities.

DISCUSSION

In December of 2000, a call for proposals, including terms of reference, was sent to five teams of consultants. In response, formal proposals were received from the following consulting teams:

· Delcan Corporation, in association with IBI Group, Ward Consulting, and dpl Consulting
· ND Lea Consultants, in association with Urban Forum Associates and dpl Consulting

Both proposals were reviewed independently by staff. Delcan's consulting team was unanimously selected as the best qualified to undertake the False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study. Staff felt that the selected team would be the preferred choice because they:

· have a clear understanding of the City's expectations for the project and the key issues affecting the development and assessment of pedestrian and cyclist crossing options across False Creek

· have extensive experience with the study area including undertaking the Burrard Bridge Upgrade project and involvement in the Downtown Streetcar Study
· are technically strong in transportation planning including pedestrian/cyclist expertise and traffic modeling expertise
· have considerable expertise in public consultation and community planning

Based on the above, staff recommend that Delcan Corporation be awarded the work. Their submission provides the best value to the City for the fee specified and is within the approved budget. Delcan's consulting team is expected to start immediately following Council approval and conclude by October 2001. City staff will work closely with the selected consulting team on the study and prepare periodic reports to Council.

CONCLUSION

Staff recommends that the contract for the undertaking of the False Creek Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings Study be awarded to Delcan Corporation, at an estimated fee of $70,000, including GST and disbursements, subject to the completion of a contract to the satisfaction of the Director of Legal Services.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver