ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: |
June 4, 2003 | |
Author: |
J. Helmus | |
Phone No.: |
604.873.7893 | |
RTS No.: |
03419 | |
CC File No.: |
1375 | |
Meeting Date: |
June 24, 2003 |
TO: |
|
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services |
SUBJECT: |
Country Lanes: 2003 APWA Technical Innovation Award
|
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive this report for information
PURPOSE
This report is to inform Council that Vancouver's Country Lanes have received an award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) and an honourable mention from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA). The APWA recognizes municipal governments across North America and has recognized Country Lanes for the 2003 Technical Innovation Award. The CAMA has presented Country Lanes with an honourable mention for the 2003 USFilter Environmental Award.
BACKGROUND
Each year the APWA recognizes outstanding individuals, groups, and chapters representing the best in the public works profession. The Technical Innovation Award recognizes municipalities that exhibit superior development and implementation of a creative idea, device, process or system that enhances the goals of public works in serving the public and protecting the environment.
The CAMA USFilter Awards are presented to municipalities that have demonstrated the utmost excellence and professionalism in the administration of their projects. The Environmental Award is presented to projects that have a significant positive impact on the environment.
DISCUSSION
The City of Vancouver has developed an environmentally sustainable `Country Lane' design that makes back lanes greener and more attractive. The first of three Country Lanes was constructed in November 2002 as part of a demonstration project, with the second two lanes presently under construction, with completion expected in late June. This alternative to full width asphalt lane paving is in response to the City's goal to reduce environmental impacts and to create a more liveable community.
The lane features two narrow strips of concrete that provide a smooth driving surface. The area between and beside these bands is made up of structural grass, a product relatively new to North America. Structural grass is a rigid plastic grid system that can support vehicle weight and prevent both soil rutting and grass root compaction. The road base is composed of a mixture of aggregate that provides structural stability, and a sand/soil mixture that allows for drainage and provides the nutritional soil components required for grass growth. This engineered soil, or `dirty rock', was developed by City of Vancouver staff.
Country Lanes allow rainwater to percolate over vegetation and through the ground. The natural absorption allowed by this combined lane surface reduces discharge into the storm sewer system, recharges groundwater, and reduces peak flows into rivers. The increased vegetation will naturally filter stormwater and improve air quality. Aside from the environmental aspects, this innovative sustainable design also has many other advantages including aesthetic beauty and traffic calming techniques.
Staff to be acknowledged for receipt of the APWA Award are:
Dave Rudberg, P.Eng., General Manager of Engineering Services
Don Brynildsen, P.Eng., Assistant City Engineer, Water and Sewers
David Desrochers, P.Eng., Streets Design Engineer
Wally Konowalchuk, EIT, Streets Design
David Yurkovich, Landscape Architect, Greenways
Sandy James, Planner, Community Visions Implementation
Jeff Markovic, AScT, Lab Technician, Materials Testing Lab
Doug Belcourt, Street Operations Foreman
Brian Willock, P.Eng., Superintendent of Streets Operations
However, the success of the Country Lane would not have been possible without the support of the residents. The residents were involved in every stage of the project, from conception through to design, and even construction of the lane. A tremendous day-long event was held on October 26, 2002 where residents were able to roll up their sleeves and lay pavers on the lane. The day long event also included a BBQ lunch and fabulous prizes for all participants. The public excitement for the lane showed with over 30 residents, not only from the lane but also from the surrounding community, displaying their support and enthusiasm for the project. The community has since described the lane as a "local greenway" and a place to "meet and greet neighbours." This same excitement has also shown through our early meetings with the communities at the final two lanes.
In addition to being a tribute to the co-operative efforts between the different departments, operations crews and residents, the award demonstrates the very high regard for our innovative work across North America.
Picture 1. October 2002 - Three Months Post-Construction
