council big picOver $5 million has been tentatively voted in as additions to the Connecting Link.

There were nine options put up for discussion, that would’ve added up to $48.6 million if all of them were approved.

And I say “tentatively,” because while they are approved, 10 years can change the minds of many in power when it comes to money.

Much of this work will also be contingent on support from the higher levels of government, as Timmins Mayor Steve Black says residents can’t expect a $100 million plus project to come entirely out of the taxpayers pockets.

Looking down the list, the big price tag is on burying the power lines in sections of the stretch for $43 million. Council turned that down, although the idea was looked at just based on how it would beautify the city.

Councillor Pat Bamford says they can approve now but eliminate it later on.

Councillor Andre Grzela agrees with his sentiments, making mention the beautification but isn’t in favour of the $28 million price tag.

Black won’t support it either, saying there’s a lot more beautification the city can do with $28 million. Council also voted down $15 million option for burying power lines in east end.

Just like that, over 88% of the proposed costs up for approval are gone.

Meantime, the city is moving ahead with a side walk from the Timmins Square to Walmart. Beforehand, they were thinking of having that side walk extended past the Walmart entrance and out to Government Road near Home Depot at a cost of $1.2 million.

Course, that work isn’t expected for the next couple of years but has been a hot topic ever since Walmart moved out of the Square in early 2005.

Bus pull-offs was approved for the first design for $1 million, same for an 800 metre median on Rea Hill, an item that’s been pushed quite a bit by Councillor Rick Dubeau.

The idea was brought up by Dubeau initially during the 2016 budget process. Based on the reputation the hill has when it comes to fatal collisions was enough for council to push forward the idea for $1 million.

Dubeau also spoke up on bringing that item from a proposed 2018 construction year to 2017. Council approved that idea, but that is based on a report later this year to determine if it’s too soon.

The city is also looking at $3-million in savings to make an east end area a three-lane cross section. That is from Coott Lane to Gervais Street North. Councillors Mike Doody and Walter Wawrzaszek voted no.

Bike lanes were met with a resounding yes from most members of council. The $2.3-million option was brought up, as many discussed the merits of showing the city is promoting a healthy lifestyle.

However, there was some talk related to safety between Schumacher and South Porcupine.

Grzela and Wawrzaszek voted down the bike lane option as presented to council.

The final option has to do with the ONR bridge and overpass near Spruce Street. The bridge has been in place for a long time, but council is looking to level the underpass to the same level as the rest of the road.

As well, council voted to build a new bridge over the section for snowmobilers and pedestrians. The Timmins Snowmobile Club expressed their desire to keep a bridge in the area.

Pat Seguin, the city’s Manager of Engineering, also talks about clumping construction phases together to make it easier to get funding from upper levels of government. The 10-year process is still the same, but Seguin says Phase 1 is 2016 only.

The other 3 Phases are three years each.

He says it also helps the developers in preparing their designs for each section of road.

The entire presentation from city council can be found HERE.

Filed under: City Council Meetings, Local News