Program Completion Outcomes Report

Transcription

1 Program Completion Outcomes Report

2 Table of Contents Program Overview 3 Eligibility/Funding Structure 3 Required Reporting 4 Calculating/Measuring Benefits 4 Program Progress Reports 5 Key Community Interests Addressed 6 Program Measurable Benefits 8 Highlighted Projects 11 Conclusion 14 Lessons Learned 14 Table 1: Example Projects (by category and grants awarded) 15 Table 2: Funded Projects 16 Program Completion Outcomes Report 1 Ministry of Community, Sport

3 Program Overview The LocalMotion program (Program), administered by the Ministry of Community, Sport (MCSCD) working in partnership with Infrastructure Canada committed $40 million to local governments in order to develop capital projects that build bike paths, walkways, playgrounds (and children`s park equipment), greenways and seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities. Many of the outcomes related to the Program s goals were focused on promoting physical activity and reducing car dependency and associated greenhouse gas emissions, we well as projects that increase mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. The Program allowed for funding of up to 50 percent of eligible project costs for all approved projects, with an annual contribution cap of $1 million per local government. To help stimulate the economy and meet the needs of communities, the federal government provided support to the LocalMotion 2009 program. Funding under the Program is now fully committed and all projects are complete. For a complete list of approved projects, see Table 2. Eligibility/Funding Structure Program funding was available annually to local governments from 2007 to After projects are approved, proponents typically work to complete final planning and detailed design prior to starting construction. The Program required projects to complete construction by March 31, Program Completion Outcomes Report 2 Ministry of Community, Sport

4 Changes in project scope and external factors, such as weather conditions and economy among others have all influenced the time required to complete projects, therefore, on a case by case basis, the completion deadline was extended for various projects. Required Reporting LocalMotion grant recipients were required to fill out claim forms and summary of expenditures forms in order to meet the provisions of the Contribution Agreement and were to be used to obtain payment for reimbursement of eligible costs. A progress report form was to be completed and submitted every quarter (March, June, September and December), until the project was complete. These forms were useful in determining if there were any noticeable issues with project completion and/or a change in scope of project details. A final report form detailing project performance was to be completed and submitted upon project completion. The recipient was responsible for ensuring that the means to collect and provide data on project performance was in place. Calculating/Measuring Benefits In order for projects to meet the Program objectives of producing baseline data for the Program goals, calculations and estimations were made by proponents. To facilitate this, the Greenhouse Gas Emission Assessment Guide 1 was used by local governments to calculate their GHG emissions reductions. This work provided the data to support the Program s goal of reducing community GHG emissions. For measuring the increase in activity as a result of the completed project, as well as creating seniorfriendly and disability-friendly communities, the community estimated usage based on feedback from the community and existing local estimates. 1 This guide was developed for British Columbia local governments by the Community Energy Association in partnership with the Ministry of Community, Sport. This guide provides local governments with background information and guidance for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions for various types of infrastructure. Program Completion Outcomes Report 3 Ministry of Community, Sport

5 Program Progress Reports For every year the program was active, MCSCD produced a Program Progress Report that provided an update on the LocalMotion program and the projects it supports. Every effort was made to ensure the information contained within the reports were current and accurate. Project status details were obtained from the most recent quarterly progress report submitted by proponents. These reports also provided a summary of the overall funding allocation and project status for the Program. Project status was represented by percentage of project completion and project construction status. The reports provided a summary of the purpose and goals of the Program as well as the performance measures being used to illustrate how project funding is meeting these Program goals, as well as a list of funded projects. Safety, improved physical activity, accessibility, and creating connectivity, were areas that saw repeated interest throughout the LocalMotion projects and ultimately illustrate what B.C. communities were most interested in achieving in their communities through the funding offered by this Program. Program Completion Outcomes Report 4 Ministry of Community, Sport

6 1. Safety Key Community Interests 3. Improved Physical Activity 4. Creating Connectivity 2. Accessibility 1. Safety Many applicants where concerned about the safety of their walkways for pedestrians, as a result from increased vehicle traffic flow or inadequately lit trails and greenways for walking at night. Various projects addressed expanding walkways, pedestrian bridges and trails to provide a large buffer between vehicles and residents using alternate modes of travel (e.g. walking or biking). In many smaller, more remote communities, there is an abundance of wooded areas, parks and trails, but an inadequate supply of lighting. Residents are less likely to walk to work if safety is an issue. The Safety and Accessibility categories converged over concern of types of materials used for pathways and various grades of smoothness for those individuals using wheelchairs or with otherwise impaired mobility. Program Completion Outcomes Report 5 Ministry of Community, Sport

7 2. Accessibility Community members were concerned with the level of accessibility for their residents from both the senior level and for those with decreased mobility. Consideration was given among a vast range of projects of how to better accommodate these residents and increase not only their accessibility to amenities and town centres, but also for increasing their level of physical activity and thereby improving health. 3. Improved Physical Activity Across projects, the need for increased and improved opportunities for physical activity was clear. There are many small, resourcebased communities that were not originally planned for creating avenues for outdoor physical activity and hence, trails, greenways and other amenities are not always sufficient. 4. Creating Connectivity Across B.C. communities there was a keen interest in creating more interconnections within and between communities, in the form of commuter trails and pathways for the result of stronger communities and for environmental benefit (e.g. reduced GHG emissions). Many local governments expressed the need for increased numbers of residents using local amenities and engaging in social activities. The increase in accessible trails and walkways to town centers support this desire. Program Completion Outcomes Report 6 Ministry of Community, Sport

8 Program Measureable Benefits The objective of the LocalMotion Program was to help accelerate the development of capital projects to make communities greener, healthier and more active and accessible places to live in. Local governments have been able to take specific actions to reduce GHG emissions, increase physical activity and improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities through this Program. The Program goals were to: 1. Reduce community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), with an emphasis on getting people out of their cars; 2. Advance the principle of being more physically active; and, 3. Build senior friendly and disability friendly communities. The following three performance measures were being used to illustrate how project funding was meeting these Program goals; the: 1. GHG emission reduction in tonnes per year of CO₂; 2. Increase in kilometres of trail and bike lanes available for use; and, 3. Percentage of projects that include accessible features. A Final Report detailing project performance was to be completed by each proponent and submitted upon project completion. The grant recipient was responsible for ensuring that the means to collect and provide data on project performance was in place. This information is used to show how well they have met the Program goals. The estimates and summaries provided in this Report are based on Final reports received from March 31, and are included to provide a multiyear synopsis of the Program benefits in further detail. Program Completion Outcomes Report 7 Ministry of Community, Sport

9 Program Goal 1: Reduce community greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on getting people out of their cars. For the LocalMotion Program, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is the result of communities that are more integrated and connected, providing the opportunity to increase the number of people who are utilizing alternative modes of transportation. This reduction also supports the overarching goal of the BC Climate Action Plan to reach a 33% GHG emissions reduction target by Performance Measure 1: GHG emission reduction in Tonnes of CO 2 Program reduced GHG emissions by over an estimated total of: 15,600 tonnes of CO2 (equivalent to removing approximately 3,000 cars from roads) Program Goal 2: Advance the principle of being more physically active. The LocalMotion Program resulted in significant increases in the number of people choosing alternative routes such as trails and paths, as commuters or specifically for physical activity and recreation. This increase in physical activity also supported the 2010 ActNow BC initiative, which was a crossgovernmental health promotion initiative that sought to improve the health of British Columbians by taking steps to address common risk factors and reduce chronic disease. Performance Measure 2: Increase in Kilometres of trail and bike lanes available for use Program supported the construction of over approximately 280km of new trails and 55km of new bike lanes Program Completion Outcomes Report 8 Ministry of Community, Sport

10 Program Goal 3: Build senior-friendly and disabilityfriendly communities The Program is helping make communities more seniorfriendly and disability-friendly through inclusive projects that include facilities with ramps, level entrances or other features that promotes the development of accessible communities. Performance 3: Percentage of projects that include accessible features An esimated 170% of projects included accessible features that increased opportunities for mobility of seniors and people with disabilities Program Completion Outcomes Report 9 Ministry of Community, Sport

11 Highlighted Projects Middle Arm Greenway Richmond B.C. Description: A 1.3km long waterfront trail and park space in Richmond B.C. that features a university accessible, 4.0m width asphalt paved pathway, as well as pedestrian lighting, bench seating, and adjacent landscaping, plazas, gather spaces and play areas. Project Benefits Snapshot Greenways provide enchanced opportunities for activity Increased safety of the greenway due to added lighting Reduces GHG emissions through providing an appealing alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists to get to the City centre Extra seating, ramps and stairs for wheelchair accessible Program Completion Outcomes Report 10 Ministry of Community, Sport

12 East Saanich Road Cycling and Pedestrian Upgrade Project District of Central Saanich Description: East Saanich Road is a major arterial road linking Central Saanich communities with North Saanich amenities like the Panorama Recreation Center, a major local grocery store and other village services. This project was cooperation between the two municipalities to construct a combined 3.5 km pedestrian and cycling link between the two communities. Project Benefit Snapshot Estimated that trails are responsible for an additional 100 average daily visits to the park, or 36,500 visits per year Reduced vehicle trips with an estimated increase of 10% in pedestrian/cyclist travel Estimates suggest an increase of 25-30% of seniors or persons with disabilitie swho are benefiting from this project Program Completion Outcomes Report 11 Ministry of Community, Sport

13 East Mission Heritage Greenway District of Mission Description: A pedestrian and bicycle path system that now links two of Mission s neighborhoods through provincial Crown land and Fraser River Heritage Park. Project Benefits Snapshot Cyclist groups now use new bike lanes as part of their race series routes Reduced need for driving kids to school or recreation center Estimated 20% more activity observed with more seniors walking in summer months Program Completion Outcomes Report 12 Ministry of Community, Sport

14 Conclusion From improving sidewalks and creating bike paths to enhancing greenways and increasing accessibility to public amenities for seniors and people with disabilities, the $40-million LocalMotion program has helped local governments throughout the province create even better places to live, work and play. LocalMotion has funded over a 122 projects (see attached list) across British Columbia since 2007, providing up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. These include vital pedestrian and cycling infrastructure projects that have promoted healthier, greener and more accessible communities, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Lessons Learned 1. Project Extensions With an older program that has had various extensions on completion dates, certain projects can be lengthy to complete and with extended timelines of completion, there can be instances of new issues arising, thereby lengthening the completion date further. Although project extensions are assessed based on rationale given prior to granting the extensions, consideration of such extensions needs to be considered carefully in light of projects completing within an acceptable timeframe while staying in scope of the original project intent. 2. Measurable Benefits Data Because of certain limitations of small communities, acquiring data such as estimates for the measurable benefits of each project was not always possible. Estimates were accepted in lieu of actual calculated numbers when necessary. This resulted in a re-examination of the best methods for capturing measurable data across programs. Program Completion Outcomes Report 13 Ministry of Community, Sport

15 Table 1 Example Projects (by category and grants awarded) Project Category: Active Transportation Bike paths Example Projects Burnaby -Mountain Bike Skills Facility and cross country cycling trail Grants Awarded $99,763 Coquitlam Whiting Westview Bike Route $59,063 Kimberley Highway 95A Walkways & Bike Paths $336,250 Trails Abbotsford Discovery Trail Willband Creek to Whatcome Road Capital Regional District Galloping Goose Regional Trail Section Upgrade $939,826 $275,387 Hazelton Eagle Down Trail Pack Train Station $22,424 Walkways Chetwynd- Rodeo Sub Walkway $35,715 Peachland Beach Ave Waterfront Walkway $77,724 Parksville Pedestrian Walkway Downtown to Rathtrevor Provincial Park area $49,000 Overpass Langley 200 St. Pedestrian Overpass $1,000,000 Pemberton Pedestrian Bridge $49,500 North Vancouver City North Shore Spirit Trail $1,000,000 Overpass Greenways Barrier- Community Park Multi-Use Greenway $54,000 Columbia Shuswap Blind Bay-White Lake Greenway $49,569 Port Moody Westhill Greenway (cycling lanes and multi-use path) $350,000 Community Playgrounds and Children s park equipment Okanagan-Similkameen Hedley Multipurpose outdoor recreation site (hockey rink/tennis court/basketball court) $45,000 Nanaimo Meadow Drive Community Park $36,991 Development Williams Lake Kiwanis Park Accessible Playground $140,000 Program Completion Outcomes Report 14 Ministry of Community, Sport

16 Table 2 Funded Projects Community Project Name Year Grant Abbotsford Discovery Trail-Willband Creek to Whatcom Road 2009 $939,826 Greenway-Gardner Park to Exhibition Park 2007 $1,168,235 Trails-Exibition to Willband; Clearbrook to Townline 2008 $952,003 Barriere Community Park Multi-Use Greenway 2009 $54,000 Burnaby Central Valley Greenway 2007 $1,900,237 Mountain Bike Skills Facility and cross country 2007 $99,763 cycling trail Campbell River Penfield West Linear Park 2009 $274,284 Highway 19A Pedestrian Corridor 2009 $56,000 Sidewalk Infill Program-safe walking surface 2008 $50,000 Capital RD Galloping Goose Regional Trail Section Upgrade 2009 $275,387 Castelgar 5 th Street and 7 th Avenue Walkways 2009 $461,000 Central Kootenay RD Brilliant Bridge Restoration Project 2008 $451,500 Central Saanich East Saanich Rd/Pedestrian upgrade to North 2008 $575,000 Saanich Chetwynd Rodeo Sub Walkway 2008 $35,715 Chilliwack South Sumas Road Sidewalk Construction 2009 $27,503 Hamilton Avenue Sidewalk Construction 2009 $35,320 Keith Wilson Road Concrete Walkway 2009 $17,514 Bernard Avenue Sidewalk Construction 2009 $22,500 Columbia Shuswap RD Blind Bay-White Lake Greenway 2008 $49,569 Colwood Metchosin Road Bike Lanes to connect routes 2008 $395,050 Comox Guthrie Road Cycle Lane Extensions 2009 $49,350 Coquitlam Whiting-Westview Bike Route 2009 $59,063 Cowichan Valley RD Kinsol Trestle reconstruction 2007 $1,611,000 Creston Creston LocalMotion 2009 $117,450 Dawson Creek Walking trail and indoor running track 2007 $948,109 Delta Nordel Way Cycle Path-112 th to Sheppard 2008 $83,750 Duncan Centennial Park 2009 $275,442 Esquimalt Esquimalt New Sidewalk Construction Program 2009 $74,310 Phase 1 Fort St John 86 th Street Community Trail 2008 $387, th Street Community Trail 2009 $494,863 East-West Community Trail 2007 $463,475 East Bypass Road Separate multi use path 2007 $314,250 Program Completion Outcomes Report 15 Ministry of Community, Sport

17 Community Project Name Year Grant Neighbourhood community Trail 2007 $214,994 Golden Accessible Active Transportation Routes 2008 $381,573 Grand Forks Grand Forks LocalMotion Pathways & Bike lanes 2009 $712,000 Construction Harrison Hot Springs Pedestrian Bridge over Miami River 2008 $87,500 Hazelton Eagle Down Trail-Pack Train Station 2008 $22,424 Houston Houston Walking/Biking Circle Network 2009 $262,500 Hudson s Hope Library Access Trail 2008 $4,399 Invermere Westside Pathway System 2009 $198,966 Kamloops Singh Street Multi-Use Pathway 2009 $182,933 Kaslo Lakeview Trail Phase $19,951 Kelowna Gordon Drive Multi-Purpose Pathway 2009 $700,000 Rails to Trails Okanagan Bypass route 2007 $1,000,000 Kimberley Highway 95A Walkways & Bike Paths 2009 $336,250 Peak to Platzl Trail 2009 $120,000 Kootenay-Boundary Columbia & Western Rail Trail Improvements 2008 $40,000 RD Langford Goldstream Active Transportation Improvements 2009 $244,293 Bike lanes and sidewalks for Spencer Road 2007 $1,020,295 Interchange Langley (District) Bedford Landing Pedestrian Bridge 2009 $154, St. Pedestrian Overpass 2008 $1,000,000 Lillooet Main Street Multi-Use Pathway Phase $120,000 Lumby Shuswap Avenue Pathway 2009 $115,067 Maple Ridge North Alouette River Greenway Bridge Crossing 2009 $49,500 Merritt Voght Street Walkway 2007 $593,715 Mission East Mission Heritage Gateway 2009 $573,005 Nanaimo Terminal Avenue-Pedestrian/Cyclist crossing 2007 $170,813 Nanaimo RD Meadow Drive Community Park Development 2009 $36,991 Nelson 2009 City of Nelson Pedestrian Sidewalk/Pathway 2009 $241,750 Extension & Bridge Improvements Pedestrian/Cyclist Pathway- Poplar to Hall Street 2007 $44,880 BNR connector paths 2007 $44,575 New Westminster Central Valley Greenway 2007 $2,000,000 North Okanagan RD Grey Canal hiking mountain bike trail 2007 $71,800 North Saanich East Saanich Rd Bike Lanes link to C. Saanich 2008 $361,284 North Vancouver Waterfront Greenway Versatile Shipyards to 2007 $980,000 (City) Sunrise Park (North Shore Spirit Trail) North Shore Spirit Trail - Overpass 2008 $1,000,000 North Vancouver (District) Seymour River Greenway 2007 $596,033 Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen Park Trail (North Shore 2007 $112,200 Program Completion Outcomes Report 16 Ministry of Community, Sport

18 Community Project Name Year Grant Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (was Fort Nelson) Spirit Trail) Phase 1 of the Fort Nelson Community Trail Master Plan 2009 $602,676 Oak Bay North Henderson Rd/Foul Bay (Bike lanes) 2008 $54,781 Okanagan Hedley multipurpose outdoor recreation site 2007 $45,000 Similkameen (RD) (hockey rink/tennis court/basketball court) Oliver Oliver Pedestrian Bridge Access Ramps 2007 $29,500 Parksville Pedestrian Walkway Downtown to Rathtrevor 2007 $49,000 Provincial Park area Peachland Beach Ave Waterfront Walkway 2008 $77,724 Pemberton One Mile Lake Accessible Trail Improvements 2009 $40,000 Pedestrian Bridge 2008 $49,500 Penticton Ellis Creek Trail 2008 $47,250 Pitt Meadows Katzie Slough Pedestrian Bridge 2008 $180,000 Port Alice Hiking trail Dawson Landing to Jeune Landing 2007 $7,565 Port Moody Westhill Greenway (cycling lanes and multi-use 2007 $350,000 path) Prince George Audible Signal Retrofit Program 2009 $113,788 Highway 16 Trail Connector 2007 $73,525 Heritage River Trail Connector 2007 $44,710 Prince Rupert Community Pathways Enhancements & Development Project 2009 $100,000 Princeton Bridge of Dreams Reconstruction 2008 $501,973 Qualicum Beach School Connector Route Upgrades 2009 $100,000 Downtown to Beach access walking trail 2007 $31,000 Rupert Rd Multi-Use Trail 2008 $36,259 Quesnel Dragon Hill/Valhalla Road Cycling & Pedestrian 2009 $82,858 Pathway Hwy 97 Ped/Bicycle Underpass 2008 $494,863 Radium Hot Springs Columbia Avenue Sidewalk 2009 $20,000 Revelstoke River Trail Expansion Top of Hill 2009 $49,967 Richmond Middle Arm Greenway (Richmond oval) 2008 $550,000 Rossland Centre Star Gulch Trail 2009 $20,425 Saanich Bowker Creek Greenway Phase 1 Browning Park 2009 $235,00 & Wordsworth Section San Juan and Gordon Head Coastal Greenway 2007 $550,000 Shelbourne St Corridor re Mobility impaired 2008 $100,000 Program Completion Outcomes Report 17 Ministry of Community, Sport

19 Community Project Name Year Grant Salmon Arm Fletcher Park Playground 2007 $141,415 Sicamous Finlayson Park Perimeter Pathway 2008 $81,581 Smithers Toronto St to Queen St Perimeter Trail Connector 2009 $36,000 Perimeter Trail Plan-Wayfinding Improvements 2008 $4,590 Sparwood Elk River Bridge & Pipeline Crossing 2008 $1,000,000 Squamish-Lillooet RD Sea to Sky Trail 2008 $52,111 Surrey North Creek Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge Stage $350,000 North Creek Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge 2007 $450,000 Cloverdale Greenway -184 St to 64 Ave 2008 $247,216 King Geo Hwy Colebrook Viaduct Bypass 2008 $63,726 Terrace Grand Trunk Pathway: Downtown Gateway Phase 2009 $94,225 2 Grand Trunk Pathway Downtown Gateway Project 2008 $189,750 Vancouver Stanley Park Trails/Seawall 2007 $2,000,000 Vanderhoof Community Trail System Phase $315,205 Vernon 2009 Transportation Demand Management 2009 $533,813 Initiatives Sidewalks/Pedestrian Access and Multiuse Trail Improvements Victoria Esquimalt Road cycling and pedestrian facilities 2007 $585,047 View Royal Pedestrian / Cycling facilities on Six Mile Bridge Old 2007 $218,650 Island Highway Warfield Arnold Lauriente Way Resurfacing 2008 $36,475 West Kelowna Gellatly Bay Recreation Corridor Improvement 2009 $170,000 Project West Vancouver Spirit Trail Greenway Park Royal Shopping 2009 $490,503 Centre/Lions Gate Bridge to McGuire Avenue (DNV) Lions Gate Bridge to Horseshoe Bay Greenway 2007 $2,000,000 (North Shore Spirit Trail) White Rock 2009 Sidewalk Improvement Vine Ave at Hospital 2009 $38,338 Street 2009 Sidewalk Improvement Vine Ave at Oxford 2009 $49,183 Street Pedestrian Improvements Town Centre 2008 $39,180 Williams Lake Kiwanis Park Accessible Playground 2009 $140,000 For further information, please contact the Ministry of Community, Sport by phone at or by at infra@gov.bc.ca. Program Completion Outcomes Report 18 Ministry of Community, Sport