APPROVALS

DIRECTOR
COUNCIL
CFO
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CAO
PARKS & FORESTRY DIVISION

REPORT CS-2023-01
JANUARY 17, 2023

SUBJECT: INFRASTRUCTURE CANADA GRANT AWARD (INFC) - COMMUNITY

TRAILS STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION

AUTHOR AND ROB AXIAK, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

APPROVING: DAVE STEVEN, ACTING MANAGER OF PARKS & OPEN SPACES

DIRECTOR AND STEVE ZORBAS, CPA, CMA, B.Comm, DPA,

APPROVING: CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

RECOMMENDATIONS:

THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WELLAND receive for information the City of Welland’s
successful application to Infrastructure Canada (INFC) – Active Transportation Fund (ATF) for
Two (2) Community Trail projects as mentioned in the City of Welland Community Trail Strategy,
as shown in Appendix A; and further

THAT Welland City Council directs the City Clerk to prepare all necessary and appropriate by-
laws to enter into a contribution agreement with Infrastructure Canada (INFC) to be signed by
the Mayor and City Clerk; and further

THAT Welland City Council approves the funding strategy as noted in the Financial Strategy
section of report CS-2023-01, including the pre-approval of the 2023 Capital Project –
Community Trail Strategy Implementation 10-410-23417; and further

THAT Welland City Council approves as a single source, WSP for professional services as a
continuation of services provided for this project as summarized in report CS-2023-01 at a total
value of $144,162.00.

ORIGIN AND BACKGROUND:

In February 2022, staff brought forward the report CS-2022-02 Community Trails Strategy –
(CTS) which was approved by council. This report identified and recommended the:

• Approval of the Community Trails Strategy (CTS), and

• Approval of the City’s funding strategy and commitment at approximately $340k of
prior approved capital accounts to be consolidated, and
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• The City’s intention to apply to Infrastructure Canada – Active Transportation Fund for
projects noted in the short-term section of the CTS.

The vision of the approved Community Trails Strategy (CTS) is:

“The City of Welland aims to create a community where trails are Connected, Continuous,
Safe, Accessible, Well-Maintained, and Convenient for users of all ages and abilities.

On and off-road trails will provide enhanced recreation and transportation choices for visitors
and residents of Welland alike, enhancing access to public space and quality of life
across the City.”

After the February 2022 Council meeting, staff submitted a comprehensive grant application to
Infrastructure Canada – Active Transportation Fund (INFC-ATF).

COMMENTS AND ANALYSIS

At the end of December 2022, staff was notified by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc of two
successful City of Welland submissions. Details of both successful projects are found in
Appendix A and summarized below.

INFC Portion
ATF-1331 Hilda Street Trail Connection $105,000
ATF-1861 North Welland / Niagara College Trail Link $900,000
TOTAL $1,005,000

Correspondence from the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

for both project awards is shown in Appendix B.

Subject to Council approval and the recommendations noted in this report, staff will move
forward with these two projects in 2023, beginning with the continuation of professional
services, followed by construction under the terms and conditions of the grant contribution
agreement with INFC.

Professional services will be required for this project to provide oversight, professional and field
expertise, and contract administration. As noted in the fourth recommendation of this report,
staff recommend the continuation of WSP for professional oversight of this project, as single-
sourced. WSP provided professional services to the City at the onsite and creation of the CTS
and supported the grant application process with INFC-ATF. The continuation of WSP
professional services for this project will be critical for seamless continuity and in-depth
knowledge of this project. The cost for professional services for this scale of this project has
been quoted by WSP at $144,162. On average, professional services including survey work at
this level would be approximately 10% of the total project cost. The quote provided by WSP
represents 7.5% of the total project cost, demonstrating good value to the City, and is
recommended by staff for this project to proceed.
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A summary of work by WSP includes:

• Desktop Review and Field Investigation

• Topographic Survey
• Preparation of Project Summary and Schematic Map for Online Posting
• Site Walk for Review of Trail Location and Encroachment Issues
• 60% Detailed Design Drawings
• 90% Detailed Design Drawings and Draft Specifications
• Issue for Tender Drawings and Specifications
• Submission of permit applications to NPCA with Cut/Fill analysis for Section 5 trail
• Tender Assistance
• Issue for Construction Drawings
• Construction Startup Meeting with the successful bidder
• Weekly Construction Inspections
• Contract Administration
• Project Closeout and Warranty Management

Financial Summary

As shown below, these two projects are valued at approximately $1,925,000 of investment and
enhancement to the City’s Trail System. As per the grant application details summarized below,
the City would fund 40% of the project, while the INFC would support 60% of the project.

Total Total City’s INFC

Estimated Eligible Portion Portion
Project Cost Costs (40%) (60%)
Hilda Street
ATF- Trail
$175,000 $175,000 $70,000 $105,000
1331 Connection

North
Welland /
ATF-
Niagara $1,750,000 $1,500,000 $600,000 $900,000
1861
College Trail
Link
TOTALS $1,925,000 $1,675,000 $670,000 $1,005,000

As summarized above and noted within the grant application criteria, not all project costs were
eligible for grant funding (e.g., potential land acquisitions / agreements). The noted difference
shown above between the total project cost and the total eligible cost is $250,000. These
ineligible costs would be added to the City’s portion, totaling approximately $920,000
($670k+250k) of investment needed from the City of Welland towards this project.

In addition, professional services will be required for this project. As noted in the fourth
recommendation of this report, a quote provided by WSP is valued at $144,162 and would be
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added to the City’s total cost for this project and further summarized in the Funding Strategy
section of this report.

Funding Strategy

To ensure this project moves forward as recommended in this report, the City is required to
support this project at an approximate total of $1,064,162. The funding sources are noted below
to secure funds for the City’s portions. This funding strategy is noted as recommendation three
in this report.

Funding Source Accounts / Fund Total

Canal Trail Improvements 10-447-18065, 10-825- $340,465
18002, 10-447-19511, 10-
(As outlined and consolidated in CS 2022-02) 447-20701, 10-447-21500
2023 Capital Project – Community Trail Strategy 10-410-23417 $300,000
Implementation (requesting pre-approval)
Reserve Fund – Cash in Lieu of Parklands Reserve Fund $279,535
Dedication (Balance of funding)
Sub-Total $920,000

Reserve Fund – Cash in Lieu of Parklands Reserve Fund $144,162

Dedication (Professional Services)
TOTAL $1,064,162

OTHER DEPARTMENT IMPLICATIONS:

It is important to note that while the primary purpose of this project is rooted within the
Community Services department, the CTS is directly connected to the following departments
and the services they provide:

Planning and Development Services Department:

• Integration of new developments and trail systems to ensure connectivity

• Development Charges and/or Park Land Dedication vs. Cash-In-Lieu and/or Community
Benefits Charge (formerly Section 37) opportunities
• Encroachments on City property as related to the various proposed paths will also be a
requirement to manage as part of this project

Infrastructure Services Department:

• Infrastructure Services Department has begun the development of a Transportation Master

Plan. Several key connection points exist between the Community Trails Strategy and the
upcoming Transportation Master Plan. It should be noted that the work completed as part
of the Community Trails Strategy will be further built upon and leveraged as part of the
Transportation Master Plan, without duplication
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Economic Development:

• Various land acquisitions and/or land-use agreements may be required so noted on the
various site maps

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

The City’s successful application to the INFC has allowed the City of Welland to move forward
with some of the short-term projects noted with the Council-approved Community Trails
Strategy. The two areas noted in this report are prime areas that need enhancement and
development and will serve the community well. Staff looks forward to the implementation of
this project to meet the vision of the CTS.

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A – Overview of Two Projects

Appendix B – Correspondence from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
APPENDIX A

North Welland / Niagara College Trail Link (5 Images / Sections)

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Hilda Street Trail Connection (1 Image / Section)