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Town looks to trim shore development budget

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking at ways to trim this year’s Lakeshore Drive construction budget.

The Town of Sylvan Lake is looking at ways to trim this year’s Lakeshore Drive construction budget.

A budget of $2.85 million was set to build a 3.2-metre wide promenade, add lighting, benches and landscaping along a stretch of Lakeshore Drive.

However, costs have been driven up by several additional items, including the need to build a $300,000 retaining wall between the new promenade and the provincial park.

The wall is located on lower ground to the north. A need for barrier-free ramp and trail access from the promenade to the popular shale walking trail in the park has also added to the cost.

Consultants for Associated Engineering also told council that preliminary estimates for landscaping work are $95,000 above the $100,000 budget.

In total, the cost of proposed work would hit about $3.4 million if no budget trimming takes place.

However, council heard that work has already begun to ensure the project sticks within the $2.85 million. There are plans to approach Alberta Parks to see if they can pick up some of the costs of the work that relates to the lakeside park. Other parts of the project are also being reviewed for savings.

“There’s still some work to be done,” said Mayor Susan Samson.

The retaining wall provided an unexpected element in the Lakeshore redesign. Initially, the town proposed railings between the promenade and the park below. But after speaking with provincial parks officials, it was determined a retaining wall was needed.

“We didn’t contemplate in our original proposal that it was going to be a retaining wall,” she said. “They’re guessing at $300,000, and that’s a cost we hadn’t contemplated.”

Some provisional items that aren’t key to the design may be put off to keep costs down, she added.

The work is among the latest pieces of the town’s ambitious $24-million-plus plan to redevelop the lakeshore and Centennial Park into a pedestrian-friendly visitor magnet. Planning began in 2007 and construction began in 2009.

A 103-stall parking lot is also being built at 44th Street and 50A Avenue as part of a $230,000 project. Lighting is expected to add another $150,000 to the bill, but that is being reviewed to reduce the cost.

Meanwhile, other portions of the project remain on budget and are going ahead on schedule. In Centennial Park, $1 million has been set aside for tree planting and other landscaping. A canopy for a public area, and another around a communal fireplace are to be built as well as shelters at drop-off areas and other park furniture.

A $100,000 budget for signage remains unchanged.

Council voted unanimously to tender work scheduled for this year including tree planting, building the promenade and viewpoints and kiosks that will be erected to advertise local features and events. Centennial Park and parking lot work will also be tendered next month.

The public will get an update on April 18 on the scope of the work expected to take place until October of this year.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com