DIDSBURY - Didsbury council has reviewed the proposed 2025 capital budget, which includes 12 projects totalling $1.9 million, including some dealing with infrastructure and land improvement.
The update came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
The proposed budget calls for $550,000 for 2025 roadworks program, $180,000 for Westhill Drive and 23rd Street stormwater pipe replacement, $40,000 for Didsbury Memorial Complex (DMC) lighting upgrade, and $30,000 for DMC eavestrough repairs.
Regarding land improvements, the budget calls for $75,000 for Westhill playground replacement, $220,000 for Didsbury tree project, and $80,000 for DMC additional parking lot.
The budget also calls for $18,000 for thermal imaging camera replacement, $80,000 for municipal enforcement vehicle replacement, $500,000 for street sweeper replacement, $110,000 for asset management software, and $31,050 for server upgrades and segmentation.
The total capital budget calls for spending of $1,914,450, some of which would be covered by grants.
Council received details for the proposed projects in a budget report.
The 2025 roadworks program includes the mill and overlay and targeted reconstruction to maximize road segments of 18th Avenue from 20th Street to 23rd Street, and 850 metres of 7th Avenue.
“Road rehabilitation on 18th Avenue and 7th Avenue will allow for safe and smooth vehicle conveyance and will maintain service levels for users of these roads,” the report states.
The stormwater pipe replacement project will see 150 metres of storm line replaced due to storm line heaving causing a substantial bump at Westhill Drive and 23rd Street.
“Stormwater pipe replacement will improve the conveyance of stormwater, reducing the potential for flooding. Additionally, restoring the travel surface will make the intersection safer for users.”
The Didsbury tree project will see approximately 100 trees planted at the town-owned Didsbury campground and along various boulevards. The project is proposed to be paid for, in part, through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies ($117,700), which is currently being evaluated by the grant body.
The municipal enforcement vehicle replacement involves the replacement of the 2014 Dodge Ram truck currently in use by the department.
“The current vehicle requires additional repairs and maintenance to remain operational. To maintain the visibility and performance of community peace officers in the community, a reliable vehicle is required.”
During the recent council meeting, councillors carried a second motion to approve the lighting retrofit project at the DMC at a total coast of up to $40,000, with 50 per cent funding coming from the community energy conservation program and the remaining 50 per cent from the Didsbury Memorial Complex reserve.
The lighting upgrade project will see the replacement of fluorescent lights in the curling rink and arena with LED equivalent lighting.
Councillor Ethan Williams did not attend the recent council meeting.
The proposed capital and operating budgets came before a budget workshop on Nov. 19 and were scheduled to come back before council on Nov. 26 for further consideration.
The complete proposed budgets are available for viewing on the town’s website.
