Dollars for P.G.Trails

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 09:13 AM

Prince George has received nearly $120 thousand dollars from the Provincial government for the river trail system.

( at right, Prince George Omineca MLA John Rustad talks with Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley moments before announcing the funding. Photo- Opinion250 staff)

Two projects, the Highway 16 Trail connector ($73,525)is a 585 metre longh 3 meter wide multi use asphalt trail connecting existing and proposed trails on Ferry Avenue and Highway 97N and Highway 16.

The Heritage River Trail Connector, ( $44, 710) will be a 740 metre long asphalt trail that will connect the existing trail system to Carrie Jane Gray Park to the adjacent neighbourhood.

The funding is given on a 50-50 basis, with the City picking up the other half.

The funding will have no impact on the cost over runs of the underpass at Highway 16. That project is coming in at over $900 thousand dollars, a full $360 thousand over budget.

The projects will have to be under construction during the current fiscal year.

The quality of Life surveys in Prince George have indicated trails, and trail usage were a priority for the City.

The provincial funding is from the Provincial Government’s Local Motion program which provides $10 million a year for four years. MLA John Rustad encouraged Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley to have the City apply for further proojects, to which the Mayor replied "Rest assured, we will be aplying for more money."

Two other northern communities to receive funding under the program are Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

Dawson Creek received just under $950 thousand for a 1.4 km walking trail and an indoor running track.

Fort St. John was granted about $1 million for three projects , $314 thousand for a multi-use path along East Bypass Road, $463 thousand for an east-west community trail, and a further $215 thousand for the Neighbourhood Community Trail

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Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 09:13 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: seamutt on April 11 2007 4:47 PM

How about the trails that are being destroyed by ATV's. 900,000 for a tunnel under highway 16. Just much much does it cost to dig a trench and lay in a culvert? Seems like some over design and spending to me. Interesting cost when considering that the Cameron street bridge only needed $400,000 for repairs!!!!

Posted by: HepCat on April 11 2007 6:37 PM

Well look at that. Another photo op with John Rustad. What are the odds?

Posted by: charles on April 11 2007 7:40 PM

If money grew on trees, I would be in favor of this project. Unfortunately though, money does not grow on trees.

If governments have extra money to spend, I think they should spend it on the highest priority items first, for example our health care system, and our justice system ( especially with all the robberies occurring in Prince George)

I can't see how our muncipal government can justify spending money on this project with the sorry state of our local roads.

I would say the local tire shops and auto repair places must be doing a booming business as a result of Prince George drivers having their vehicles shaken to pieces as they drive on our pothole and rut filled local roads.

Kimbo, I sure hope you and members of your group choose to run in upcoming elections. I think it would be a refreshing change to have some politicians in power which truly respect taxpayers' hard earned money.

Posted by: Chadermando on April 11 2007 9:03 PM

I think community trail infrastructure are great long-term investments for any community.

IMO its a small relative one time cost that once built can be used by anyone for free promoting a healthy lifestyle that has numerous positive externalities from healthy people (reduces health related tax expenditures) to higher quality tourism (generates more tax dollars).

A trail system does not have the on going year after year operating costs of a swimming pool, ice rink, sports complex, art gallery, or performing arts center. This is a significant financial advantage in getting utility out of a tax dollar.

The provincial government a couple of years back gave the Kooteneys $4.2 million for developing their trail systems.

Personally I'd rather see my tax dollars create another kilometre of trail system somewhere rather than employ another government employee. There is no reason why BC couldn't become known for its world class trail systems.

Posted by: Chadermando on April 11 2007 9:20 PM

I wonder if someone could ask the BC liberals if we're going to have a BC House at the Vancouver Olympics to promote tourism in the rest of BC to the world while we have their attention. We now have our first 2km of trails. Its a start.

If we worked on what we could promote, and how we could enhance our product, and fill in the gaps, then we know we'll have the worlds stage to present the product. There could be something in it for every region of BC and better yet we could make it a Canada wide challange with other provinces setting up their own pavilions in a mini Canada expo of why to visit that region for tourism. The only catch is the host city would not be part of the pavilions. Make it a guesture of good will to the rest of the province and country for paying for the games.

IMO it would be a great way for Northern BC to sell its natural adventure tourism, rather than having our image determined by the national media token negative bad happening story of our region.

Posted by: owl on April 12 2007 9:21 AM

"IMO its a small relative one time cost that once built can be used by anyone ... "

Therein lies the problem .... too many people think that way about physical infrastructure ..... no maintenance ....

Unlike Fort Nelson, for instance, this City self insures .... so not only maintenance has to be covered here, but also accidental destruction or deterioration of facilities are covered by the City and no one else.

So, by the time everything is said and done, figure 5% or so of the original bill, on average, as maintenance costs - more in some cases of "active" facilities such as arenas, less in cases such as trails.

Posted by: Chester on April 12 2007 9:03 PM

HepCat! Another Photo Opp? Aren't you pleased that they are communicating? That they do talk? I would be more concerned if they weren't talking. Can we be thankful for at least the little things?
Chester