The city continues to tackle its ageing infrastructure problem, and according to a new report going before council tomorrow (March 7), the city’s stormwater system will need between $31 million and $125 million in upgrades.
“Stormwater management is becoming a higher priority because of more intense storms, ageing infrastructure, and development,” writes Acting Deputy City Manager, Ian Wells in the report to council.
“As the community grows, there is the potential for a drastic decrease in natural spaces and increase in ‘hard’ impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings. Improper management of stormwater can lead to issues such as; erosion, contaminants in creeks and rivers, and flooding of roads and properties.”
The city’s Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) has now completed its first phase. It’s consolidated and prioritized existing Watershed Drainage Plans and assets which allows the city to determine what work needs to be done.
There are over 261 action items identified totalling approximately $31 million given a low-cost esitmate to $125 million given a high-cost estimate. The city has also created a new project prioritization framework which ranks action items anywhere between a high-priority score of nine and a low priority score of zero.
Ten action items were given the highest priority score (i.e. scores of seven to nine out of a highest possible score of nine). The action items, which have a total estimated cost of $1.2 million to $5 million, are listed in order of priority:
- Parkridge Creek – Replace Domano Culvert
- Create Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw
- Wetlands & Riparian area protection
- Update Design Guidelines to consider climate change
- Secure sustainable levels of stormwater funding
- Replace high priority cross culverts in poor condition
- Habitat protection
- Update Design Guidelines to include Low Impact Development standards
- Expand floodplain development permit areas along Parkridge Creek
- Update Bylaws (DCC, Development, Tree Protection)
Once all four phases of the ISMP are completed – which include technical papers on engineering issues, policy and regulations and financing options - an overarching guiding document and roadmap will be used for public engagement.
“The final outcome of this project is to have a working ISMP strategic document that will provide the City and community with an action plan to ensure healthy watersheds and sustainable stormwater services, all while addressing the impact of existing development and allowing for future development and economic growth,” says Wells.
Prior to doing some public engagement around stormwater, the city says the final project presentation on the overarching Guiding Document and Action Roadmap will be brought to council in June or July.
Phase one of the report will be presented to council during its public meeting tomorrow night starting at 6 p.m. You can take a look at the full agenda online and livestream the meetings through the city’s website.
Action Items Identified in the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan. . By City of Prince George
