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The original item was published from 3/28/2018 10:05:00 AM to 3/31/2018 12:00:00 AM.
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Posted on: December 19, 2017[ARCHIVED] Major Projects Update 2017
Highlights of the more than 80 major (capital) projects underway or completed in 2017 are below. View the detailed report.
The Town purchased 221 Beaver St, where the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission offices are located, in 2016. The second-floor apartment is used as Town of Banff staff housing, primarily for seasonal employees. Repairs to structural damage were completed in late summer 2017. Purchase price was $1 million, repairs were $59,900.
Design work is complete on an expanded community gymnasium at Banff Elementary School. The project has been tendered and work is due to start immediately, with completion in the spring of 2019. The project is in partnership with the Canadian Rockies Public School Board. The total budget is $962,000.
Facilities lifecycle projects for 2018 include: replacing the main entrance doors and upper/lower storeys at 101 Bear Street, replacing the roof at the day care, painting the exterior and upgrading the HVAC system, painting the exteriors of staff housing at 552 Banff Ave and replacing the shingles and painting the exterior of the fire hall.
At The Fenlands, the inspection, testing, service, repair or replacement of the mechanical and structural envelope is ongoing. The refrigeration plant and compressor were overhauled in 2017 and the skate sharpener was replaced, among other items. HVAC upgrades to the arena lobby are planned for 2018. The total budget is $223,800. Also at The Fenlands, a 280-kW solar PV system was installed in the spring. It was funded by a contribution of $244,466 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $131,575 provincial grant from the Alberta Municipal Solar Program, and $112,891 from the Town of Banff’s Environmental Reserve, which is replenished through electricity franchise fees. The project was completed $28,000 under budget and is anticipated to save $15,000 per year in energy costs.
A new fire aerial truck is on order with delivery expected in September 2018. The budget is $130,000.
A further 190 bike parking stalls were added in 2017 with the total stall count now over 800. The project came $29,000 under budget; the savings will be directed to more racks in more locations, as demand continues to exceed supply.
Staff are currently completing a structural investigation of the heritage transformer substation at the Old Banff Cemetery to determine if the building is suitable for an enclosed columbaria with results expected in 2018. Based on feedback and direction from council, the proposed ossuary will be replaced with a scattering garden, to be included in the landscape design.
Seven transit shelters were installed at key locations in 2017, with more expected in 2018. Construction on the transit hub at Banff Community High School is also expected to begin in 2018. Look for new and improved bus stop signage in 2018 along with the shelters, and three additional new buses with increased frequency of service from May long weekend to mid-September.
Design of the permanent Bear St Woonerff will begin in 2018. It is likely that work will include a replacement of the water and sanitary sewers, which will be confirmed during the scoping of the project. Design will also confirm costs. Construction is currently anticipated in 2019. Residents will be asked for their feedback on a concept design for St. Julien Road in 2018. Construction is scheduled for 2021.
Due to concerns of increased traffic volume during Canada 150, major 2017 road overlay projects were deferred with only some minor patchwork completed. Road overlay projects on the shortlist for 2018 include Park Ave, Rainbow Ave, Tunnel Mountain Road and Deer Lane. 400 block.
River Ribbon, a new public art piece, has been installed on the Bow River Trail beside Glen Ave. It will be officially unveiled Wednesday, December 20. The total budget, funded from the Public Art Reserve, is $44,800.
For further details on these and other projects, and to view the projects on an interactive map, visit banff.ca/majorprojects. For an update on housing projects in Banff, visit banff.ca/housing
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