DIDSBURY - Town council has given final approval to the 2022 capital budget, which calls for spending totalling $3,819,500, including $735,000 towards the purchase of a new fire department rescue vehicle.
The final budget approval came by way of motion during a recent council meeting, held in person and on YouTube.
The capital budget is the town’s financial plan for capital expenditures over the next year, and includes the sources of funding being used to cover the costs.
It includes purchases of new or use machines and equipment, and the construction of fixed assets such as roads and underground utilities. It covers infrastructure, land improvements, buildings, vehicles and equipment.
Under infrastructure, the 2022 capital budget includes $1,940,000 towards the 21st Street water, sanitary and surface works project (phase 1 and phase 2 - construction) and $84,000 for the 21st Street (phase 2 - design).
“This multi-year project includes construction along 21st Street between 15th Avenue and 18th Avenue and includes the installation of a storm line, replacement water line, replaces of a sanitary line, and replacement of curb, gutter and asphalt roadway,” administration said in a briefing note.
“The investment will work in conjunction with the 15th Ave. stormwater main extension project (2020) and the 20 Street stormwater drainage project (2021) to resolve water conveyance issues in the area.”
Another infrastructure project will see $300,000 spend on the 21st Ave. storm and surface works project (complex road).
“This project will see the rehabilitation of 21st Ave., the roadway which provides access to the Didsbury Memorial Complex (and) will include the removal and replacement of concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks and accessible ramps, removal and replacement of the asphalt roadway, and drainage improvements, including replacement of a stormwater main, new catch basins and sub grade improvements.”
Under land improvements, the budget includes $150,000 for the Didsbury Memorial Complex outlying plan pathway and landscaping (phase 1), $50,000 for the Deer Coulee/Cemetery pathway replacement, and $35,000 for Columbarium purchase and installation.
Under buildings, the budget includes $100,000 for a fire hall emergency backup generator, $65,000 HVAC system replacement at the town office, $65,000 for make-up air unit replacement at curling rink, $50,000 for HVAC system upgrades at the RCMP detachment, $20,000 for paintings at the RCMP station, and $30,000 for multi-purpose room stage upgrades.
Under vehicles, the budget includes $735,000 for a Didsbury fire department rescue vehicle.
“The rescue vehicle is a purpose built truck designed to carry firefighters and equipment to various incidents, including but not limited to structure fires, motor vehicle collisions, alarm bells, and medical first and/or co-response.
“The project will see the replacement of the Didsbury fire department’s 2004 FL60 rescue vehicle with the new vehicle built on a custom chassis.”
Mountain View County will be funding half the vehicle cost, $350,000, under the current cost-sharing agreement.
Other vehicle expenses in the 2022 budget include $66,000 for replacement of a public works vehicle and $55,000 for a parks department replacement vehicle.
Under equipment, the budget calls for $3,500 for the skid steer annual program.
Councillors are currently working on the 2022 operational budget.
