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Budget for Mission infrastructure project nearly doubled as construction costs mount

Gaudin Creek Wetlands Community Detention Pond project has been delayed for 2 years already
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The existing detention pond off Dalke Avenue is over its capacity and could impede further development in the Cedar Valley area if not expanded. Google Maps image.

A Mission infrastructure project has had its original budget nearly doubled, as construction costs continue to increase.

Council unanimously voted to add over $884,000 to the Gaudin Creek Wetlands Community Detention Pond project, funded through developer cost charges (DCC) reserves.

The total budget is now $1,865,000.

Mayor Paul Horn expressed concern about the mounting input costs for construction on all city projects, and asked staff if it were possible to defer the new pond for at least another six months.

“I’m just concerned about the timing here,” Horn said. “With any kind of construction, materials and labour are both at a premium right now … We are seeing increases of 25 per cent, 50 per cent, even more, on everything that we’re getting back from tender.”

Staff said that deferring this project any longer was not ideal.

The new detention pond will replace an existing basin located between Nottman Street and Dalke Avenue which is over its capacity, and could impede further development in the Cedar Valley area if not expanded.

Detention ponds are a form of storm-water management that are built adjacent to streams, rivers or lakes to protect against flooding events; and also typically around new development projects to capture excessive urban runoff.

The construction of the bigger pond is already two years behind schedule, suffering from permit delays and the failure to find a contractor in 2021.

The city cannot ask for another extension, and if the work is not completed by the end of the year, staff will need to resubmit an application, according to staff.

Staff said there are three building lots currently using the undersized basin, and the city has not put a hold on development within its catchment “because we have every intention of getting this pond built.”

“We’re just entering the construction window for instream works for which we are permitted,” said staff, adding the current facility would be prone to failure if left as is.

The new pond is also being uniquely designed, being described by staff as a “municipal owned and maintained community pond rather than strata corporation owned drainage infrastructure.”

It will be built to have the appearance of wetlands and work with its natural landscape by retaining existing features like trees, vegetation, and adding new features like channels, shallow pools and spawning gravels to provide fish habitat.

The city will hire an environmental professional to oversee its design.

Coun. Mark Davies asked if the public will have access to the pond, similar to city park space. Staff said there will be a trail through the area but its primary function will be stormwater detention.

The pond is located close to two elementary schools, giving it potential for educational opportunities for local students, said Coun. Danny Plecas. His idea found traction with other councillors and staff.

He also mentioned, however, his worry about draining Cedar Valley DCC reserves any further before the new increased rates are applied.

“Obviously, it’s a bit of a concern when we see costs that escalate on these kinds of projects,” he said.

Horn said the new detention pond doesn’t sound like something they can stall on any longer, but that council needs to seriously consider delaying other construction projects.

“We’re moving from essentially a locked, block pit to something that will actually look nice, serve the community well, and perhaps be a space where you might be able to go and find some peace and quiet. And that makes the pill a tiny bit easier to swallow.”