Planned upgrades to the Valleycliffe/Hunter Trail are on hold as District of Squamish (DOS) staff look into new options to realign the trail and find more cost-effective and user-friendly solutions.
In a special meeting of DOS council on Tuesday (April 24), staff recommended council proceed with the design and construction of trail upgrades as outlined in an engineering report from April 3. However, staff also told councillors that although the proposed designs were the fastest way to make upgrades to the trail, it was likely not the best way, as it necessitated the construction of a steep, steel staircase that would prevent some users from accessing the trail.
Coun. Doug Race said the $250,000 price tag of the proposed upgrades went far beyond what he expected.
"The first part of upgrades to that trail was in the neighbourhood of $30,000," he said. "I expected the second phase to be about the same. If we go with the recommendation, then the steep, steel stairs will essentially cut out two main users of the trail - people with strollers and bikers. It just doesn't make sense to proceed this way."
Race suggested DOS staff could continue discussions with landowners and stakeholders in an effort to realign the trail.
Coun. Bryan Raiser agreed.
"That trail is a very important link to Valleycliffe," he said. "But we just can't spend $250,000 for a staircase. We don't want to just do a quick-fix that nobody wants."
Coun. Ted Prior also balked at the upgrade costs.
"I wouldn't be in favour of spending that kind of money," he said. "I agree with having more discussion with landowners and stakeholders."
Coun. Patricia Heintzman moved that staff be asked to explore an alternate approach with a realignment of the trail to allow for a gentler grade and better accessibility. The motion was seconded by Race, and passed unanimously.
Alpine Paving awarded contract
Squamish council authorized DOS staff to award the 2012 Paving Program to Alpine Paving Ltd. based on a quote of $1.11 million.
Three quotes were submitted for the contract this year, with Alpine Paving's quote coming in some $67,216.39 more than the lowest bid.
Staff said Alpine was preferred as it employs 30 Squamish residents, produces asphalt locally and has provided asphalt services to the DOS for a number of years. The other bidders, according to staff, posed uncertainties as they produced their asphalt too far away or through subcontractors.
Heintzman said she was concerned Alpine's quote exceeded the $1 million budget, and was higher than companies located farther away.
"When it is that much more, I need to be sure and rationalize it," she said. "A local company should be able to underbid."
Mayor Rob Kirkham said costs associated with the asphalt program seemed to be declining. Staff indicated the lower costs were thanks to the competitive bidding process introduced two years ago, which has saved approximately $200,000 annually since its introduction.
Race moved that staff award Alpine the contract, with Coun. Sue Chapelle seconding. Heintzman opposed the motion. Coun. Ted Prior excused himself from the discussion due to a perceived conflict-of-interest.
