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01-03-2010 02:31 AM
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JEFF OUTHIT, DIANE SHANTZ
RECORD STAFF - WATERLOO REGION (Apr 25, 2007)
KITCHENER
Fairway Rd.
Bridge planned by 2010
CAMBRIDGE
Kossuth Rd.
ARTIST'S SKETCH
Regional councillors have tentatively endorsed this design for a bridge over the Grand River linking Kitchener and Cambridge. The long-span girder bridge would cost about $28 million, including roadwork.
Plans are back on track to build a new bridge over the Grand River by 2010, linking Kitchener to Cambridge.
Waterloo regional councillors had stalled bridge plans for a year, to consult with Six Nations aboriginals who have claimed the Grand River. Yesterday, they agreed to move forward again, voting to hire a consultant to design the bridge.
Construction would take place in 2009 and 2010. The project, linking Fairway Road in Kitchener to Kossuth Road in Cambridge, is now expected to cost $28 million, including road extensions.
It will be the first new bridge over the Grand in this region since 1963.
Councillors expect it will help ease traffic congestion in south Kitchener while improving connections between Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph.
By proceeding with a $28-million budget, councillors have effectively ruled out a showcase bridge featuring a bowstring arch.
The proposed bowstring design, reflecting historic bridges in the region, was on a short list of three designs presented to the public last year. It would have cost an extra $8 million.
Instead, council intends to build a basic, long-span girder bridge, with piers kept out of the river, Regional Chair Ken Seiling said. "In an ideal world, if money was no object, we could go with something more. I think we have to have a reasonable design."
Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr also favours the more basic design.
"I support it because it's a balance of esthetics and cost," Zehr said.
Coun. Jean Haalboom had pressed for a fancier design but did not object yesterday.
"A decision has been made," she said.
Councillors said they hope other design elements will be incorporated into the bridge to improve its appearance.
The proposed bridge is moving forward again now that regional officials have consulted with rival aboriginal councils that both claim to speak for the Six Nations people.
One is an elected council. The other is a traditional council.
Chiefs from both councils are involved in negotiations to resolve the aboriginal occupation of contested lands at Caledonia.
Six Nations aboriginals claim they never let go of the bed and banks of the Grand River, after they were granted lands along the river in 1784.
Their claim to the river has not been accepted by senior governments.
However, the Supreme Court has ruled that governments must consult with aboriginals about projects that may affect their claims.
"We're going to move forward (on the bridge) in conjunction with ongoing consultations," Seiling said.
"It's an ongoing process. That's the best I can describe it."
Six Nations officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Regional chief administrator Mike Murray attended a meeting with traditional chiefs in January, held at a longhouse on the reserve south of Brantford.
"As a starting point, it was good," he said.
Several dozen Six Nations people attended, Murray said.
He said the region was not asked to abandon or stall bridge plans. "They had questions. They had comments," Murray said.
Officials tried to answer their questions.
Murray said aboriginals raised their claim to ownership of the Grand. They were told this is to be resolved between the Six Nations and the federal and provincial governments.
"Our comment was, 'We wish you well, in the negotiations that you're directly involved with,'" Murray said.
Regional officials had previously discussed the bridge plans with the elected Six Nations government.
BRIDGE
Last year, The Record invited readers to pick a design for a new bridge over the Grand River. There were 640 responses.
- 44 per cent favoured a basic design with a long span that is also favoured by regional councillors. Estimated cost for the bridge alone: $13 million.
- 24 per cent favoured a basic design with short spans that puts piers in the river. Estimated cost for the bridge alone: $10 million.
- 20 per cent favoured a bowstring design that looks like other historic bridges in the region. Estimated cost for the bridge alone: $21 million.
- 12 per cent favoured more elaborate bridge designs, costing from $23 million to $70 million.
Bridge design expected to be approved
JEFF OUTHIT -WATERLOO REGION (May 15, 2007)
Regional councillors are expected to approve the design of a new bridge over the Grand River today.
Fans of bowstring bridges say it would be a mistake to confirm the flat, basic design that's proposed. They will plead for a bowstring arch that could cost an extra $8 million, but reflects historic bridges built here in the 1920s and 1930s.
"I'm not against practicality. But what I'm against is buying a plain-Jane car and hanging trinkets on it," said Glen Woolner, a Kitchener housing consultant and heritage proponent.
"What I want to see is something that serves the purpose, does everything that they want to see it do, but has something that is recognizable at a glance, that sticks in your head.
"And that's what our bowstring bridges do. They are prominent. They are memorable."
Coun. Jean Haalboom of Kitchener favours spending more for a bowstring bridge with showcase appeal.
"We talk about urban design. We're talking about tourism, and spending millions of dollars on tourism," she said. "We need to pay attention to our streetscapes and the entrances to our city."
Other councillors are unwilling to spend more on a design that's not needed to get people across the river.
The bridge as proposed is affordable and "architecturally pleasing," regional Chair Ken Seiling said. Plans call for enhancing its basic design with landscaping, lighting and other features.
"I think the public by and large said that they sort of like the middle of the road approach," Seiling said.
The bridge, to be completed by 2010, will link Fairway Road in Kitchener to Kossuth Road in Cambridge. It's estimated to cost at least $28 million, including road work.
Public reaction has favoured a flat, basic bridge. A public meeting last year drew 56 per cent in favour of the proposed design. A bowstring design found 31 per cent support.
A Record survey last year found 44 per cent support for the proposed design and 20 per cent support for a bowstring arch.
This will be the first new bridge over the Grand River in Waterloo Region since 1963. It's part of a plan to help ease traffic congestion.
Bowstring bridge is flatly rejected
JEFF OUTHIT - WATERLOO REGION (May 16, 2007)
Regional councillors have endorsed this design for a new bridge over the Grand River, linking Kitchener, on the left, with Cambridge, on the right.
The bowstring bridge style, shown here, was rejected as too costly, even though it matches bridges built locally in the 1920s and 1930s.
The bowstring bridge, popular 70 years ago, is officially history.
Regional councillors have decided the next new bridge over the Grand River will be a flat span, linking Kitchener to Cambridge.
Yesterday, they voted 14-1 against spending an extra $7 million for a design that reflects three bridges built in the 1920s and 1930s.
"Seven million (dollars) is a lot of money," said Coun. Jane Mitchell of Waterloo.
The confirmed design is a long-span girder without piers in the river.
It's to be completed by 2010, linking Fairway Road in Kitchener with Kossuth Road in Cambridge.
This will be the first new bridge to span the Grand River in this region since 1963. Its design has been the subject of public and political debate.
The rejected bowstring design earned 31 per cent public support in a regional survey. It would have cost as much as $20 million.
The approved long-span design earned 56 per cent support in a regional survey. It will cost as much as $12 million.
Councillors hope it can be built to look better than it does on paper.
"It is a glorified road," said Coun. Sean Strickland of Waterloo. "This bridge as proposed makes no signature, makes no statement whatsoever."
Architects have been directed to suggest ways to dress it up and make it more memorable. This may involve landscaping, lighting, textured concrete or other elements.
Strickland suggested adding a bowstring arch as a cheaper decorative feature, rather than as a costly structural element.
"I think it's important that we don't underestimate the importance a bridge can have on the psyche of a community," he said, citing the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Staff warned that a decorative arch might not be feasible because its weight may require making it part of the bridge structure.
Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig hopes the approved bridge can be given a "21st century" look. He sees no point in echoing bowstring bridges.
"I think we make our own history," Craig said. "I think the look has to be a statement of where we are, not what we were."
Region Chair Ken Seiling agrees. Bowstring bridges were the modern bridges of the 1920s, he said. "We shouldn't be afraid to build a modern bridge today."
Coun. Jean Haalboom of Kitchener was the lone dissenter in favour of a bowstring bridge.
"Bridges can form our identity, give us a sense of place," she said. "They are the symbols that act as branding."
Haalboom fears the approved bridge may be dressed up with little more than checkerboard pillars, a regional crest "and that's all we can afford."
Len Carter, a former municipal candidate, urged councillors to endorse a bowstring design.
"A plain-Jane, nondescript bridge will barely register," he said.
"If we don't make it memorable, it's going to be forgettable."
It's estimated the bridge project will cost $28 million, including roadwork. Costs may rise by $6 million if councillors decide to build the bridge four lanes wide from the start.
01-03-2010 02:31 AM
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Region to discuss Grand River bridge
January 29, 2008
JEFF OUTHIT - RECORD STAFF - WATERLOO REGION
The proposed cost of a new bridge over the Grand River has more than doubled in two years to $55 million.
Soaring construction costs are largely to blame. Steel, concrete and asphalt prices have all been rising quickly.
The new tally includes $11 million to make the bridge wider, prettier and friendlier for cyclists and pedestrians.
The long-planned bridge will link Fairway Road in Kitchener to Kossuth Road in Cambridge. Construction could start next year.
Regional councillors will be asked today to approve the rising costs.
Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig wants some design features dropped to save money.
"I think there should be some features, but they have to be reasonable," Craig said.
Some other councillors support all the design features, which were just unveiled.
"Crossing the Grand River with a new bridge is a big thing," Coun. Sean Strickland of Waterloo said.
"We have a choice to make. Do we make it something that's going to have a lasting impression for 100 years or not? It's going to be a really nice bridge, and I think we deserve that."
Councillors agree the bridge needs to be built soon, despite the rising price tag, to help ease traffic congestion in south Kitchener.
It will be the first new crossing of the Grand in this area since 1963.
In 2006, the bridge and road, at two lanes wide, were estimated to cost $23 million. It's now proposed to build four lanes from the start to meet the traffic demand expected by 2021.
Widening ahead of the need will cost an additional $8 million.
Planners say this is cheaper for taxpayers than widening the bridge soon after its completion.
Some residents have asked council to build more than a plain bridge. The proposed response, at an additional cost of $3 million, is to:
- Sculpt the piers, which would be kept to the riverbanks.
- Add entrance portals at each end.
- Install open railings and special lighting for pedestrians.
- Include lookout areas over the Grand, with stairs to a riverside trail on the Kitchener side.
- Include an on-road cycling lane, an off-road cycling lane for cyclists who fear mixing with traffic, and a separate pedestrian sidewalk.
"We talked about making this bridge a signature bridge," Coun. Tom Galloway of Kitchener said.
"Some of the scenic lookouts I think are going to be a real attraction. It will attract more walking and more bicycling."
Planners have ruled out topping the bridge with arches to emulate historic bowstring bridges. False arches, with no structural purpose, would cost between $4 million and $14 million.
Building the bridge and road will take at least two years.
Planners warn construction might not start until 2010, pending the resolution of a dispute over property needed to extend Fairway Road.
The new bridge has already been delayed a year for consultations with Six Nations leaders. The aboriginal nation, near Brantford, claims to own the bed and banks of the Grand.
New Bridge Design: http://media.therecord.com/acrobat/4...1a8d1870d7.pdf
Council delays bridge vote
January 30, 2008
JEFF OUTHIT - RECORD STAFF - WATERLOO REGION
The next bridge over the Grand River finally has a road name but still lacks an approved design.
Regional councillors delayed approving the $55-million project yesterday, pending more details on soaring costs and design extras. But they voted 10-5 to make it part of Fairway Road.
In delaying approval, which could come next month, councillors made it clear they still intend to build the bridge to help ease traffic congestion in south Kitchener. They just want to know more about why estimated costs have more than doubled, in just two years.
"What we're experiencing today is a little bit of sticker-price shock," said Coun. Sean Strickland of Waterloo.
"I'm the last person that doesn't want to see this go ahead," said Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr, who asked that approval be delayed.
The bridge and road, at two lanes wide, were expected to cost $23 million in 2006. Planners expect to provide a better explanation of rising costs soon. Factors include rising construction prices, design features and expansion to four lanes.
Several councillors questioned the need for design extras costing up to $3 million. These include twin bicycle lanes (on-road and off-road) on each side of the bridge, pedestrian lookouts above both riverbanks and sculpted piers.
Councillors were told $500,000 could be saved by removing on-road bicycling lanes. This would still leave off-road lanes for cyclists and a pedestrian sidewalk.
Some councillors said they can support the bridge with all its proposed features because they will help attract hikers and cyclists to the river.
The vote to name the road over the bridge was testy. Three Cambridge councillors asked that Kossuth Road be extended to the bridge on the Cambridge side, while Fairway would be extended to the bridge on the Kitchener side.
However, most councillors said changing the road name at the bridge would puzzle drivers. "Let's do something right for the travelling public, for a change," said Coun. Jim Wideman of Kitchener.
Instead, Fairway Road will be extended across the bridge to the intersection with Fountain Street in Cambridge. That's where Fairway will end and Kossuth will begin.
The decision disappointed Greg Michalenko, a university professor who advocated extending Kossuth Road toward Kitchener. The road is named after a legendary 19th-century Hungarian patriot. Michalenko sees it as a livelier name than meaningless Fairway. "Planners are so cautious, and sort of dull about this. They should show more spark."
Bridge over Grand is worth the money
January 30, 2008
THE RECORD
Driving the main roads of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo isn't as easy as it once was, and it's only going to become harder in the years ahead. There is a simple reason for this: growth. With Waterloo Region becoming a booming community during the past few decades, there are more vehicles on the roads than ever, which means drivers may become more frustrated than ever.
One addition to Waterloo Region's road system that would help would be another bridge across the Grand River. The region hasn't built a bridge across the Grand since 1963.
Recently, a bridge that would link Fairway Road in Kitchener with Kossuth Road in Cambridge has existed in the minds of regional transportation planners. The region has been gradually moving closer to a decision on the structure. The latest estimate is that the bridge will cost $55 million, which is far higher than the estimate made in 2006 that the bridge would cost $23 million.
There are, however, good reasons for the extra cost. First, construction costs have risen. This should not be surprising in a booming market. Secondly, the latest estimate includes the construction of four lanes, compared to only two in the original plan. The additional two lanes will cost an extra $8 million. The region may not need four lanes for the present amount of traffic, but planners expect the traffic flow will need four lanes by 2021.
That year isn't that far away, and it will be even closer by the time the bridge, in any form, is actually built. Constructing only two lanes now, therefore, would be false economy. The cost to the region in the future of constructing an extra two lanes would be greater than the cost of doing the entire project now.
The harder question relates to what might be called the esthetic additions to the bridge. Planners have suggested options such as lookouts on both sides of the bridge and pedestrian level lighting.
The esthetic issue is harder to deal with because it is subjective. A person who appreciates attractive structures would probably think the extra money is worth spending; a person who has only utilitarian values would disagree.
What can be said is that this bridge is being built for the long run. From the long-term perspective, spending a little extra money now is both appropriate and wise. After all, it isn't every day -- or even decade -- that this region puts a bridge across the Grand.
01-03-2010 02:32 AM
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Despite rising costs, regional chair says cutbacks 'wrong approach'
February 06, 2008
JEFF OUTHIT - RECORD STAFF - WATERLOO REGION
Regional council could slash more than $13 million in soaring costs by going back to basics with a new bridge and road over the Grand River.
Savings could come from narrowing the project to two lanes, abandoning pretty design features and forgoing sidewalk and cycling features, according to estimates in a new report.
But slashing costs would be the wrong approach, regional Chair Ken Seiling says.
"This is probably the most highly visible and important piece of infrastructure we have done for awhile," Seiling said.
"It's one that people will look at, and if we don't do it right, I think there will be a lot of finger-pointing.
"I personally don't see us pulling back on it."
The road and bridge, almost two kilometres in total, will link Fairway Road in south Kitchener to Kossuth Road in north Cambridge. This is meant to help ease traffic congestion in south Kitchener.
Construction could begin next year and conclude in 2010.
Last week, councillors were startled to learn that estimated costs have doubled to $55 million next year, from $28 million last year. Costs are split between the road and the bridge.
Council asked for more spending details before considering costs again at a meeting tonight.
Those new details reveal that inflation, property costs and extra lanes helped double costs. According to road planners:
- $21 million has been added to reflect construction inflation approaching 12 per cent a year, to include rising property and contingency costs and to build the bridge four lanes wide.
- Another $7 million has been added to add cycling paths and sidewalks, to make the bridge more attractive and to keep piers on the banks, out of the river.
A planning report says that because four lanes will be needed by 2021, it makes financial sense to build the bridge wide, rather than widen it after its completion.
Pretty design features include sculpted piers, lookouts on the Cambridge side, a gateway portal in Kitchener, pedestrian lookouts on the bridge and an open exterior railing.
Almost $1 million has already been cut by narrowing the required centre median. Almost $1 million more could be saved by narrowing, but not eliminating, cycling paths.
The current budget excludes $1 million that could be spent by Cambridge and Kitchener councils on landscaping and streetscaping features.
These include decorative pedestrian lighting, connections to the Walter Bean trail that would run beneath the bridge and poles and banners to decorate the median.
RISING COSTS
How estimated costs of a new bridge and road over the Grand River have escalated:
2006: $23 million
2007: $28 million
2008: $44 million
2009: $55 million
Region OKs $54.5M bridge
Council votes for esthetics over economy
February 07, 2008
FRANCES BARRICK - RECORD STAFF - KITCHENER
Despite the big ticket price, Waterloo regional council decided yesterday not to build a bare-bones bridge over the Grand River.
"We either want an enhanced bridge or not," said Coun. Sean Strickland of Waterloo.
In a recorded 13-to-1 vote, council approved the bridge's design with one minor variation. It will be 60 centimetres narrower for a $500,000 savings, bringing the estimated cost to $54.5 million.
Regional Chair Ken Seiling said the narrower design will not compromise any future plans to have a light-rail transit line across the bridge. It should also permit bicycle paths and sidewalks.
The vote came after much debate about ways to reduce the cost of the project which had nearly doubled in two years.
Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr led the charge by suggesting five design changes for a total savings of $3.2 million. Some of his suggestions included removing the lookouts, a second sidewalk and a bicycle path and redesigning the bridge's piers.
In the end, council only agreed to narrowing the bridge.
"I think this is nickel and diming," Coun. Jane Mitchell of Waterloo said of Zehr's suggestions.
Coun. Jim Wideman of Kitchener said it is "fundamentally wrong" to have two bicycle paths to separate the expert cyclists from the recreational ones.
"We don't need two bicycle paths just because experts cannot come down to riding with recreational riders," Wideman said.
The road and bridge, almost two kilometres in total, will link Fairway Road in Kitchener to Kossuth Road in north Cambridge. It will be the first new crossing of the Grand River in this area since 1963 and its goal is to help ease traffic congestion.
Construction could begin next year and conclude in 2010.
Last week, councillors were startled to learn that estimated costs have nearly doubled to $55 million in 2009, from $28 million last year.
Councillors asked for more information and a staff report showed that a lot of the increase is due to expanding to four lanes from two, inflation, and contingency costs including property acquisition.
Coun. Jean Haalboom of Kitchener voted against the bridge, saying it is the wrong time to build it because of escalating construction costs. She also opposed it because the bridge's design doesn't include a symbol of the region.
Both Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig and Coun. Jake Smola of Kitchener said the bridge's cost estimate of $54.5 million should be a firm number, and if tenders come in higher, council should revisit the whole issue.
04-07-2010 01:20 PM
Unknown Author
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Kitchener
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04-27-2010 10:11 AM
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Kitchener, Ontario
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"Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."
REGION OF WATERLOO TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: Design and Construction
TO: Chair Jim Wideman and Members of the Planning and Works Committee
DATE: April 27, 2010
Report: E-10-046
APPENDIX A-1: 2010 Construction on Major Roads in the City of Kitchener
Project | Managed By | Limits | Traffic Restrictions | Timing
Fairway Road Extension and Bridge over the Grand River | Region | Zeller Drive to Fountain Street | New Road | Summer 2010 to Fall 2012
APPENDIX A-3: 2010 Construction on Major Roads in the City of Cambridge
Project | Managed By | Limits | Traffic Restrictions | Timing
Fairway Road Extension and Bridge over the Grand River | Region | Zeller Drive to Fountain Street | New Road | Summer 2010 to Fall 2012
05-08-2010 11:46 AM
Unknown Author
Transportation Moderator
H2OWC
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It was 1963 when the last new bridge was built over the Grand River here. Today, two new bridges are on the go.
Construction is underway on a four-lane Highway 8 bridge over the Grand, a twin to the current bridge. It will widen the highway to eight lanes and is part of a three-year project costing $70 million.
Construction will launch this summer on a four-lane Fairway Road bridge linking Kitchener to Kossuth Road in Cambridge. It’s planned to open in 2012 as part of a $55-million project.
The twin Highway 8 bridge is long overdue. The Fairway Road bridge will provide new access to Kitchener and a new connection to Guelph via Kossuth Road. Both spans are needed, to help ease chronic congestion in south-east Kitchener.
However, Coun. Sean Strickland is dismayed Ontario didn’t design a prettier Highway 8 bridge, to play up the historic river. “Bridges make statements,” he contends. “Bridges are iconic and define communities.”
Strickland, of Waterloo, had expected local planners to press the Ministry of Transportation for something special on Highway 8. But it turns out the twin bridge will be a replica of the current plain bridge. That’s an opportunity missed, he says.
Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols points to the “graceful arch” of its steel girders but also notes “these features will not be visible from the highway.”
By contrast, Waterloo regional council intends to make the Fairway Road bridge better-looking in views from above and below.
It will not have a bowstring arch, to the dismay of some residents. But council-approved plans call for sculpted piers, lookouts on the Cambridge side, a gateway portal in Kitchener, pedestrian lookouts on the bridge, and an open exterior railing.
The bridge will include cycling paths and sidewalks. It may eventually include decorative pedestrian lighting, connections to the trail beneath the bridge, and poles and banners for the centre median. Total costs for all design elements could reach $2 to $3 million.
Council could still trim some of these features, if the cost to build the bridge and extend Fairway Road is deemed too high. Council is expected to confirm a construction tender May 26.
This will be a prominent bridge in a scenic location, spanning an important river. It’s meant to last a century or more. There’s value in making it nice to look at and pleasant to cross.
Construction is underway on a four-lane Highway 8 bridge over the Grand, a twin to the current bridge. It will widen the highway to eight lanes and is part of a three-year project costing $70 million.
Construction will launch this summer on a four-lane Fairway Road bridge linking Kitchener to Kossuth Road in Cambridge. It’s planned to open in 2012 as part of a $55-million project.
The twin Highway 8 bridge is long overdue. The Fairway Road bridge will provide new access to Kitchener and a new connection to Guelph via Kossuth Road. Both spans are needed, to help ease chronic congestion in south-east Kitchener.
However, Coun. Sean Strickland is dismayed Ontario didn’t design a prettier Highway 8 bridge, to play up the historic river. “Bridges make statements,” he contends. “Bridges are iconic and define communities.”
Strickland, of Waterloo, had expected local planners to press the Ministry of Transportation for something special on Highway 8. But it turns out the twin bridge will be a replica of the current plain bridge. That’s an opportunity missed, he says.
Ministry spokesperson Bob Nichols points to the “graceful arch” of its steel girders but also notes “these features will not be visible from the highway.”
By contrast, Waterloo regional council intends to make the Fairway Road bridge better-looking in views from above and below.
It will not have a bowstring arch, to the dismay of some residents. But council-approved plans call for sculpted piers, lookouts on the Cambridge side, a gateway portal in Kitchener, pedestrian lookouts on the bridge, and an open exterior railing.
The bridge will include cycling paths and sidewalks. It may eventually include decorative pedestrian lighting, connections to the trail beneath the bridge, and poles and banners for the centre median. Total costs for all design elements could reach $2 to $3 million.
Council could still trim some of these features, if the cost to build the bridge and extend Fairway Road is deemed too high. Council is expected to confirm a construction tender May 26.
This will be a prominent bridge in a scenic location, spanning an important river. It’s meant to last a century or more. There’s value in making it nice to look at and pleasant to cross.
05-08-2010 01:25 PM
Unknown Author
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"Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."
05-08-2010 01:31 PM
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Transportation Moderator
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Originally Posted by Urbanomicon 
05-08-2010 04:11 PM
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05-08-2010 06:33 PM
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05-16-2010 02:54 PM
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REPORT TO: Committee of The Whole
DATE OF REPORT: May 12, 2010 | DATE OF MEETING: May 17, 2010
PREPARED & SUBMITTED BY: Lesley MacDonald, Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor
REPORT NO.: CRPS - 10-068
RECOMMENDATION:
“That the lands located at the intersection of Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive, in the City of Kitchener, owned by the Corporation of the City of Kitchener, described as Part Block 29, Plan 58M-392, being Part 24, Plan 58R-16576, be declared surplus to the City’s needs for the purposes of conveyance to The Regional Municipality of Waterloo for purposes of the construction of the Fairway Road extension; and further; That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an Agreement with The Regional Municipality of Waterloo and any further documentation in this regard required by and to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.”
REPORT:
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (“The Region”) has approached staff to acquire the subject lands noted above in order to complete the proposed Fairway Road Extension. A copy of Reference Plan 58R-16576 is attached hereto as Schedule “A” to indicate the piece of land that is subject to this conveyance. The Region is proposing to purchase the subject lands for $1.00 as the lands will be dedicated as part of the Fairway Road extension.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Region will be responsible for all costs associated with the conveyance. A Reference Plan has already been prepared at the expense of the Region. The City should not incur any expenses in connection with this conveyance.
08-17-2010 10:18 PM
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Kitchener
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August 17, 2010
By Jeff Outhit, Record staff
WATERLOO REGION —Motorists rejoice — construction could start within days, leading to a long-awaited new bridge over the Grand River.
When it opens in two years, the bridge will extend Fairway Road in east Kitchener to Kossuth Road in north Cambridge. Two roundabouts will anchor the extended road.
This will improve Kitchener connections with Guelph, provide another access to Highway 401 via the Highway 24 interchange, and improve access to east-side lands targeted for future industry and homes.
“We get a lot of calls from people who are eager to see this project go ahead,” project manager John Stephenson said.
The regional government project is $7 million under budget, in a low tender up for council approval Aug. 19. The new price tag for the bridge and road, including money already spent, is $50 million. This is more than first planned, but less than feared.
The bridge will not have the replica bowstring arches some residents desired as a nod to historic bridges.
However, it will have sculpted piers, which will be kept to the riverbanks, lookouts on the Cambridge side, gateway portals on both sides, pedestrian lookouts on the bridge, an open exterior railing, cycling paths and sidewalks.
“I think we hit the middle ground in terms of design,” Regional Chair Ken Seiling said. “We’ve created an attractive bridge.”
Construction may launch Aug. 31. The bridge is expected to open to traffic Oct. 31, 2012.
It’s the first brand-new span over the Grand in this community since 1963. The province is currently twinning its bridge over the Grand at Highway 7/8.
The bridge was delayed in part for consultations with Six Nations leaders. The aboriginal nation near Brantford claims to own the bed and banks of the Grand.
“We believe we’ve done everything necessary along that front,” Seiling said.
Project costs were estimated at just $23 million in 2006. Construction inflation, widening to four lanes, and design elements swelled estimates to $57 million, prior to the low bid. Budgeted funds not spent on the project will be redirected to other projects.
A regional report says construction firms bid lower than expected because they’re looking for big projects after economic stimulus funding ends in 2011, and because the project is being built on green fields where staging is easy and there’s little traffic to disrupt.
The recommended low bidder is an experienced Toronto firm, Grascan Construction. Local firm Steed and Evans has been subcontracted for road work. Six firms bid on the project.
jouthit@therecord.com
08-23-2010 09:43 AM
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Metropolis Member
Kitchener
Joined Dec 2009
4257 posts
FINANCE REPORTS
F-10-072, T2010-016 Fairway Road Extension, From Pebble Creek Drive (400 Metres West of Zeller Drive) to Fountain Street and Kossuth Road, Cities of Kitchener and Cambridge
J. Haalboom questioned if the cost of the bridge and the road work can be separated. Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services advised they can review the details and break out the specific numbers.
S. Strickland stated this is a significant undertaking and will be a user-friendly bridge.
MOVED by S. Strickland
SECONDED by C. Zehr
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo accept the tender of Grascan Construction Limited of Toronto, Ontario for T2010-016 Fairway Road Extension, from Pebble Creek Drive (400 metres west of Zeller Drive) to Fountain Street and Kossuth Road, Cities of Kitchener and Cambridge, in the amount of $40,670,000.00 plus applicable HST, subject to receipt of outstanding permits and approvals required from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).
CARRIED
10-07-2010 11:01 AM
Unknown Author
Moderator
Kitchener-Waterloo
Joined Dec 2009
5005 posts
October 4, 2010
On the right is the current terminus of Fairway Road @ Zeller Drive.
On the right is the current terminus of Fairway Road @ Zeller Drive.
11-10-2010 11:05 AM
Unknown Author
Hamlet Member
Joined Oct 2010
24 posts
I'm new to the forum so please bear with me as I figure out how to post and upload pictures. I live very close to the new Fairway Rd extension so I'll post updated pics of the project. This is the first picture upload so I hope it worked.
fairway Rd as see on fountain St @ kusoth Rd
11-10-2010 11:22 AM
Unknown Author
Hamlet Member
Joined Oct 2010
24 posts
A look down Old Zeller Dr toward fiarway Rd where the new round about will be.
Pile drive steel into the ground for the new ramp onto the bridge (Kitchener side)
Removing the grade from Fairway Rd, the road will be lower some 6 meters from the hightest point there currently
Construction of the new round about, currently placing sewers
Grade removal from Fairway Rd @ Pebblecreek Dr
Embankment on the Cambridge side of the Grandriver.
More to come later.....
11-10-2010 12:17 PM
Unknown Author
City Member
Kitchener, Ontario
Joined Feb 2010
953 posts
"Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."
Welcome to Wonderful Waterloo!
11-10-2010 03:42 PM
Unknown Author
Sports & Recreation Moderator
Kitchener
Joined Jan 2010
1027 posts
11-10-2010 05:18 PM
Unknown Author
Metropolis Member
Kitchener
Joined Dec 2009
4257 posts