2. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute all documents related to this matter.

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1 COUNCIL REPORT Report No. PRC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Date: March 2, 2016 File No: To: From: Subject: Mayor and Council Heidi Enns, General Manager, Parks, Recreation and Culture BikeBC Program and/or other Provincial Grant Program - Cycling Infrastructure Funding RECOMMENDATIONS 1. THAT staff be directed to prepare a funding application to the Province of British Columbia, Cycling Infrastructure Funding or other Provincial program for the Cycling/Pedestrian crossing for Discovery Trail under the BikeBC Program as detailed in Report No. PRC ; and 2. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute all documents related to this matter. SUMMARY OF THE ISSUE The Province of B.C. through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is providing financial assistance for new infrastructure which forms part of the municipalities adopted bicycle network plan through the Bike B.C. program. Eligible projects include those that' encourage transportation cycling by accelerating the development of new cycling infrastructure. The focus of the Bike B.C. program is on cycling for transportation purposes which includes cycling trips to and from work, school, tourism and errands. The application requires Council approval with a grant submission deadline of April 8, The grant proposal is for completion of approximately 250 metres of Discovery Trail along Valley Road, from the existing terminus to the intersection of Valley Road and a pedestrian/bicycle activated signal crossing of the Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11. Enhancement of this infrastructure would provide a safe extension of the trail system and in addition to protecting sensitive environmental habitat, improve physical fitness and health opportunities, in a safe manner for ages and abilities. The completion of this section would specifically allow for safe continuation of the trail through an environmentally sensitive wetland area and provide users with a safer access to Willband Creek Park on the east side of the Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11.

2 Report No. PRC Page 2 of 4 BACKGROUND On February 12, 2016, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced that it is providing $6 million in BikeBC funding to communities this year to enhance and expand cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes, multi-use paths and trails and cycling/pedestrian bridges. The funding is part of BC on the Move, the Government of BC's 1 0-year transportation plan. BikeBC is the province's cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects to encourage cycling and walking for commuting, recreation and tourism. BC on the Move committed $18 million over three years to the BikeBC program. Last year the program provided $6.14 million for 26 projects in 25 communities throughout the province. This years' application deadline is April 8, The City of Abbotsford's Discovery Trail, which is an extensive 36 kilometre, three metre wide, all-season corridor spanning across the community connecting the east and west boundaries of the municipality. This network of trails is an important community feature, fosters community pride and identity and provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to interact with family and friends while knitting neighbourhoods and existing facilities together. Discovery Trail connects schools, churches, parks, civic buildings, commercial areas. The trail provides a valuable quality of life feature for local residents as well as the surrounding communities. The paved trail provides many safe, outdoor opportunities for biking, running, rollerblading and walking for young families with children in strollers as well as persons in wheelchairs or other wheeled mobility devices. Many sections of the trail are through natural habitat and provide wildlife corridors that contribute to biological diversity. Discovery Trail serves as important buffer zone between urban development and sensitive natural habitats and waterways. These natural areas protect water resources, shelter plants and wildlife, and allow alternatives to automobile use, as well as, provide residents with the opportunity for local wildlife, flora and fauna viewing and unique educational opportunities. To date we have received approximately $3,000,000 from the Provincial Government for the Discovery Trail and $120,000 from the Trans Canada Trail Department of Canadian Heritage (see Attachment "A"). DISCUSSION Discovery Trail currently ends approximately 250 metres west of the Valley Road/ Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11 intersection, and then restarts at Hazelwood Cemetery on Hazelwood Avenue. The section between these two points was never completed due to the uncertainty in crossing the Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11. Enhancement of this infrastructure would provide a safe extension of the trail system and in addition to protecting sensitive environmental habitat, improve physical fitness and health opportunities, in a safe manner for ages and abilities. The completion of this section would specifically allow for safe continuation of the trail through an environmentally sensitive wetland area and provide users with a safer access to Willband Creek Park on the east side of the Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11 (see Attachment "8").

3 Report No. PRC Page 3 of 4 The infrastructure required for the enhancement of Discovery Trail includes the following: 1. Road widening/shoulder Improvements valued at $25,000. A distance of 195 metres of road widening/shoulder improvements includes the installation of asphalt on a compacted base as per standard road specifications. This will provide for a safe accessible pathway alongside the road edge separating industrial traffic by a barrier from the existing terminus of Discovery Trail on Valley Road to the intersection of the Abbotsford/Mission Highway Pedestrian Railway Crossing estimated at $10,000, which includes 25 metres of a safe pedestrian crossing of the railway on Valley Road where Discovery Trail and the railway intersects. This will ensure a safe pedestrian crossing, and would be constructed to the railway's details and specifications resulting in a connection to Discovery Trail across the railway. 3. Wooden Boardwalk estimated at $15,000, including 30 metres of wooden boardwalk in to provide for adequate road widening/shoulder improvements for the continuation of Discovery Trail along Valley Road. 4. Installation of a demand bicycle I pedestrian activated signal crossing at Valley Road and Abbotsford/Mission Highway 11 estimated at $600,000. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION Funding for the installation of a demand bicycle and pedestrian activated signal crossing valued at $600,000; will be sought through the Bike B.C. Grant application BikeBC Program and/or other Provincial Grant Program - Cycling Infrastructure Funding that may become available. The support infrastructure valued at $50,000 would be funded through the City's Parks DCC Program. dl)j) 1 wed and approved by the: Chief Financial Officer IMPACTS ON COUNCIL POLICIES, STRATEGIC PLAN AND/OR COUNCIL DIRECTION The Bike BC Grant opportunity aligns with the priorities in the City's Strategic Plan , the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, and the Trail Master Plan. SUBSTANTIATION OF RECOMMENDATION The Bike BC funding would provide a safe extension of the trail system and a viable bicycle transportation route across our community. The Discovery Trail serves as a place where entire families, friends and neighbors can gather, participate in wholesome activity, recreate and travel together safely. It also alleviates some of the negative effects of intense motorization, including traffic congestion, air pollution, excessive noise, and destruction of the environment. The completion of this section would specifically allow for safe continuation of the trail through an

4 Report No_ PRC ' Page 4 of 4 In the event that the application is not successful with BlkeBC, staff is requesting authorization I to apply for qther Provincial program for the Cycling/Pedestr" n Overpass over Highway #1 'u (;,-. / C/f!Qdt '(j;wl/. Heidi En ~; I~ General Ma'hager, Parks, Recreation and Culture ATTACHMENTS Attachment "A": Provincial and Federal Funding for Discovery Trail Attachment "B": Discovery Trail Enhancement Project Maps

5 Attachment "A" Provincial and Federal Funding for Discovery Trail to date Approximately, $3,000,000 from the Provincial Goverrunent through "Local Motion": Section Year Funds Greenway $1,168,235 Gardner Park to Exhibition Park Trails $952,003 Exhibition to Will band; Clearbrook to Townline Discovery Trail $939,826 Willband Creek to Whatcom Road Trans Canada Trail Department of Canadian Heritage: Section Year Funds Abbotsford ,000 Discovery Trail Section 4/5

6 Attachment "B" City of Abbotsford Discovery Trail Enhancement Project Illustration Terminus on Valley Road to Abbotsford/Mission Project is illustrated by dotted yellow lines

DATE ISSUED: AUGUST 29, 201 SCALE: N.T.S. N $.......6 ABBOTSFORD ~~,U. UCII~H0!1' tli.

7 DATE ISSUED: AUGUST 29, 201 SCALE: N.T.S. N $ ABBOTSFORD ~~,U. UCII~H0!1' tli.iutl DRAWING: TRAil layout DATE ISSUED: JANUARY 29, 2013 DRAWN BY: KBP SCAlE : N.T.S ABBOTSFORD,.t.,I.U.IIUU '>:;IIO.tii.IUU

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