The City of Red Deer is borrowing a total of just over $14 million to repair an outdoor running track and do maintenance work on several bridges.
On Tuesday, city council approved a borrowing bylaw that included $13.3 million to upgrade the CPR pedestrian bridge, as well as 10 additional bridge structures in the city.
Council heard the city’s bridge inspection program itemized maintenance/upkeep needs of various bridges over the Red Deer River and creeks. But much of the money that’s designated for bridge repairs will be spent on extensively overhauling the 114-year-old former railroad bridge over the Red Deer River, said the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Ray MacIntosh.
The city’s contribution would be added to an $11 million federal grant for the $19 million project. Council heard the bridge deck must be replaced, and work is needed on the support structure.
On Tuesday, councillors approved an additional $773,250 in borrowing to make repairs to the outdoor running track beside Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.
Council was told the track is in poor shape a decade after previous repairs were done. Since the last track repair was expected to last longer than 10 years, city officials plan to consult with experts about the best methods to use for this repair.
MacIntosh noted this year’s borrowing is for necessities, reflecting the city’s no-frills capital budget.