By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Minimized growth projects possible for upcoming Capital Improvement Program

Oct 24, 2016 | 4:53 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The City of Lethbridge will have to think frugally coming up to the 2018-2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
 
Urban construction manager, Byron Buzunis, presented six offsite levy funded projects on Monday (Oct. 24) for approval in the first four years of the newest CIP (listed above).
 
The offsite levy provides funding to land developers for infrastructure (like water, sanitary and storm lines) for future growth in serviced lots. Without it, developers wouldn’t be able to start new neighborhoods or extend services because they can’t afford the upfront cost.
 
Buzunis says slowed growth over recent years has caused a shortfall in the City’s offsite levy account, meaning Council will have to delay some major projects to keep that dip “as shallow as possible”.
 
Projects would be minimized to support on-going development and planning, but not create any new growth fronts.
 
“There should be plenty of lots and plenty of houses for people to buy. There shouldn’t be a shortage at all,” he noted, when asked if current growth needs would be sufficiently supported. “All the places where you see houses being built today, those areas will continue. It just won’t be starting new neighborhoods.”
 
Three major roadway projects are also included between 2020 and 2022. The largest being the twinning of University Drive, between the Community Stadium and Sunridge Boulevard West, set to begin in 2021 at a cost of $11.5-million.
 
Buzunis says there is a balance to strike between what the City can afford and what the community requires, stating that those projects were strategically pushed off until later to adequately address those two aspects.
 
Growth stakeholders like the Urban Development Institute (UDI), Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA), other developers and some City departments all have a part in deciding offsite levy funded projects.
 
The 2018-2027 CIP will be debated and approved next spring.