TAMRMS#: B06
8.2
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Founders Walk Phase III, Children’s Bridge Lighting
Presented by: Adam Turnbull, Cultural Facilities & Resources Manager, Community Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That the budget for capital project 424317, Founders Walk Phase III (CULTR-005) be increased from $108,000 to $210,000 to be funded from the Capital Reserve.
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SUMMARY
Administration is requesting additional funding to cover a required change in project scope. This change is needed to ensure the Children’s Bridge has power available to operate the planned LED colour-changing lighting, which is part of CULTR-005: Founders Walk Phase III - Children's Bridge.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2023 Council approved $108,000 for Founders Walk Phase III, project 424317, to be funded from the 2024 Capital Budget. The project scope was to provide colour-changing LED lighting for the Children’s Bridge.
The original scope of the project did not include providing power to the bridge. Instead, Administration planned the work to align with the anticipated Millennium Park construction for greater efficiency. However, with the Millennium Park growth charter now rescinded, additional funding is required to supply power to the bridge. (Attachment: CULTR-005 Founders Walk Phase 3 Capital Charter)
Administration is seeking Council approval for the extra budget, as it exceeds the CAO's delegated authority.
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Approved by Council in 2023: |
Additional Budget required for Power to Bridge: |
Total: |
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$108,000.00 |
$102,000.00 |
$210,000.00 |
The Children’s Bridge lighting construction will get underway later in 2025 and all aspects of the project will be completed in 2026; this coincides with Engineering’s Children’s Bridge RMR that will be delivered under the same contract.
90% drawings were used to inform on the estimated costs for the budget request (Attachments: 90% Design: Power layout, 90% Design: Bridge lighting)
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
None at this time
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
If approved, $102,000 would be funded from the Capital Reserve which has sufficient funds.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time
Program or Service:
The integration of new programmable bridge lighting would mark special events, dates, occasions and be utilized for public enjoyment.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
Without additional funding for the necessary power supply, the project risks remaining incomplete, preventing the successful installation and utilization of lighting at the Children’s Bridge.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
Downtown Vibrancy: Promote our heritage, arts and culture by providing a variety of community events and gathering places that build connections and bring people together downtown. This strategy includes advancing planning for the development of Millennium Park.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
B1.1 City Delivered Events
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
ALTERNATIVE 1: That Council cancel the Children’s Bridge lighting component of CULT-005.
Financial:
Remaining funds from CULT-005 for the Children’s Bridge lighting component of the work would not be spent and Administration would return unspent funds to the Capital Reserve.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
The cancellation of the Children’s Bridge lighting project, would impact the intent of the lighting to provide a focal point to celebrate a landmark and significant days and events, reducing its ability to serve as a vibrant focal point for commemorations and celebration.
Organizational:
Plans to include lighting of Children’s Bridge as part of RMR/Capital work planned for 2025/2026 would be discontinued.
Risks
An identified node of the Founder’s Walk project intended to highlight a city landmark, the Children’s Bridge, would remain incomplete.
Previously allocated resources and efforts would not yield the intended benefits, reducing the overall impact of the project.
If the canceled work is later reinstated, it may require additional funding due to inflation, re-mobilization costs, or changes in regulations.
The project’s intended goals, such as improved visual aesthetics and community celebration, would not be realized.
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Report Date: June 17, 2025
Author(s): Adam Turnbull
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Wilkie
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher