Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPUB-005-24Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: March 4, 2024 Report Number: PUB-005-24 Submitted By: Lee-Ann Reck, Deputy CAO, Public Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO Resolution#: GG-026-24, C-016-24 Authored by: Brett Novak, Manager Operations File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: Bowmanville Dog Park Lighting Update Recommendations: 1.That Report PUB-005-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2.That Council direct staff in the Infrastructure division to include a project for the installation of a hardwired lighting system for the Bowmanville Leash Free Park as part of the 2025-2027 capital budget request. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PUB-005-24 Report Overview As a result of a Council resolution in November 2021, solar lights were installed at both the Courtice and Bowmanville Leash Free Dog Parks. While operating normally at the Courtice location, the lights were not operating as intended at the Bowmanville lo cation. After investigation, the issue was related to the power transmission lines creating interference. As part of a resolution in September 2023, staff investigated hardwiring solutions for the Bowmanville site. The purpose of this report is to provide an updated cost estimate and seek a source of funding for the proposed installation of hardwired lights at the Bowmanville Leash Free Park. 1. Background 1.1 At the regular meeting held on November 1, 2021, Council passed resolution #C -355- 21, that directed staff to install solar lights, as soon as possible, at the Courtice and Bowmanville Leash Free Dog Parks. While the lights at the Courtice location operate without any known problems, there were on-going issues with the lights at the Bowmanville Dog Park, caused by the overhead high voltage power transmission lines. Upon further investigation with the manufacturer and Hydro One, removal of all lights was the final decision made by Hydro One. 1.2 The removal of the solar lights from the Bowmanville leash free park and the installation at the Newcastle leash free park occurred in January 2024. 1.3 At the General Governance Committee meeting held on September 11, 2023, the Committee passed the following motion: “That Staff investigate a hardwired lighting system for the Bowmanville Leash Free Park and the source of funding for the project.” 2. Further Investigation 2.1 Staff have reviewed the location with regards to existing lighting conditions for future connection. Existing parking lot lighting for the Bowmanville boat launch to the south could provide electrical feed to the proposed lighting inside the leash free park . Further detailed design will be required to confirm appropriate lighting levels as well as on site utility verification to confirm electrical capacities. 2.2 Hydro One will also need to be consulted during the design phase to ensure compliance with the proposed permanent lighting fixtures. Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PUB-005-24 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 Permanent lighting fixtures were not considered in the 2024 capital budget due to the timing of the motion noted above and the capital budget submission deadline. Staff have completed a conceptual layout and associated cost estimate including design cost and contract administration. 3.2 Total estimated cost to complete this would be $239,500 and is recommended to be included in the upcoming 2025-2027 multi-year capital budget request. The Public Works division in consultation with the Infrastructure Division, has completed the cost estimate based on previous project information and the solar lighting layout that was previously installed in the park. 3.3 The Planning & Infrastructure Department has their 2024 Capital plan in place, inserting this project into the current year project plan could delay already planned projects, or escalate the costs if outsourced to a contractor. 3.4 Staff considered the pending Parks, Recreation, Culture Master Plan and suggest that the Municipality should not prioritize this capital project ahead of the recommendati ons to be contained in that report. 3.5 Infrastructure Division will be including this project as part of their request in their 2025- 2027 muti-year capital budget which aligns with the current budget process and aligns with new infrastructure being a responsibility of the Infrastructure Division. 4. Strategic Plan The second pillar of Clarington’s strategic plan is Connect. The leash free park allows residents to connect in a safe luminated location to provide their pets with recreation space. It also provides an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome to socialize and connect with members of the community. 5. Concurrence This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO of Planning and Infrastructure Services and the Deputy CAO of Finance and Technology/Treasurer who concur with the recommendations. 6. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that council consider and approve the forthcoming request in the 2025-207 multi-year capital budget for the design and construction of permanent light fixtures in the Bowmanville leash free park. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PUB-005-24 Staff Contact: Brett Novak, Manager of Operations, 905-623-3379 ext. 2909 or bnovak@clarington.net. Attachments: Not Applicable Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.