DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH REPORT TO: Council FOR: Regular PRESENTED: November 14, 2006 FILE: FROM: Administration SUBJECT: Corridor Trail MOU, establishment of Select Committee and initiation of

environmental assessment adjacent to highway. Recommendation: THAT: Council approve the Corridor Trail MOU, further endorse the terms of reference for the Select Committee for Corridor Trail and further support the environmental mapping adjacent to Highway 99 between Depot Road and the Adventure Center to an upset limit of $5, 380. 1. Purpose: To bring closure to the Memorandum of Understanding between the District and Ministry of Transportation, and to establish a working group and process to collaboratively evaluate commuter trail alignment options.

2. Time Critical: Yes, the process will need to be complete before highway works precede in any area where the trail may move onto highway right-of-way (most notably the water courses just north of Adventure Center). 3. Background:

Council approved an MOU between Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project (STSHIP) and the District August 2005. The MOU was not executed by STSHIP as the parties agreed that completion of the trail would be more cost effective if the District led the project. As a result STSHIP has committed the budget to the District which represents $450,000 in land value from District acquired land used for new highway easement, matched by an equal amount from STSHIP (Note the final amount of land value acquired from the District is $337,050 plus the original matching funds from STSHIP - $450,000 - for a total of $787,050)

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The District and STSHIP MOU contemplated an East Side 4-meter wide Commuter Trail from Valley Cliff to Depot Road in visual proximity to the highway. “The trail will provide an alternate route through the community that will encourage users onto a parallel, off grade, separated route” (Background and general principles 1.1 of MOU) (See attachment #1). 4. Project Information: Recognizing that strong interests both from trail and conservation communities exist a meeting was called on October 6, 2006 to identify a process and structure to proceed. Those attending included Edith Tope, Meg Fellowes, Bob Brant, Todd Pope, Francesca Knight, Patricia Heintzman, Randall Lewis and Brent Leigh (MoT was not able to attend). Through an open discussion two immediate next steps were agreed upon and the group left eager to work together as a as part of a future committee that would report its findings to Council.

1. Hire the consultant that has done the environmental mapping for MOT through urban Squamish and determine the habitat and environmental values adjacent to Highway 99 between Depot Road and the Adventure Center. This has been budgeted at an upset limit of $5, 380. (See attachment #2)

2. Develop terms of reference for a Select Committee for the Corridor Trail to commence an evaluation of commuter trail options, particularly between Mamquam Road and Cleveland Avenue, rank those based on user-friendliness for pedestrians and cyclists and then overlay environmental values to determine optimal trail alignment.

It is anticipated that the east side (adjacent to highway) route will have areas where environmental values will be compromised. An objective assessment of other routings and their environmental impact will allow the committee to make a fully considered recommendation to Council. Subsequent meetings with District and Ministry of Transport staff developed the terms of reference attached. These terms of reference and comprehensive committee structure are intended to initiate and process an implementation plan in the most constructive way possible (see attachment #3). 5. Department Comments:

6. Alternatives to Staff Recommendation: As advised buy council. __________________________________________

Brent Leigh, Deputy Administrator

Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project (STSHIP) &

District of Squamish (DoS)

Memorandum of Understanding

Municipal Trail Adjacent to Highway 99 (Municipal Trail MOU)

“DRAFT Oct. 17/06”

1. Background and general principles 1.1 The District of Squamish has expressed a desire to construct a municipal

Valley Trail adjacent to Highway 99 to enable walking, jogging or cycling from Valleycliffe to the Depot Road area. This desire was expressed in the Town Hall and Council meetings, and further expressed in the Council Chronicle (District of Squamish Newsletter-Winter 2005). The multi-use trail will be referred to as the “trail”. The trail will provide an alternate route through the community that will encourage users onto a parallel, off grade, separated route. The trail, when completed, will provide linear connectivity between five neighbourhoods in Squamish.

1.2 STSHIP and the DoS acknowledge that this Municipal Trail MOU is

intended to outline the mutual understanding of the STSHIP and the DoS in regard to the matters set out in the Municipal Trail MOU with the objective of enhancing a collaborative and coordinated process to guide further consideration of these matters. The STSHIP did obtain public feedback on a trail during pre-design consultation program. Further public consultation during the preliminary design stage will be required as set out in section 8 of this Municipal Trail MOU.

1.3 This Municipal Trail MOU is subject to any and all applicable laws and

regulations, and nothing in this Municipal Trail MOU is intended to or does fetter the statutory discretions of the Minister of Transportation, the Provincial Approving Officer, or the designated highways officials.

2. Scope of work (trail) 2.1 It is the long term objective of the DoS to construct a multi-use, commuter

trail from Valleycliffe to Depot Road (a distance of approximately 8.6 km). STSHIP and the DoS acknowledge that full achievement of this long-term objective is beyond the scope and purpose of this Municipal Trail MOU. The design, construction, alignment, length and features of the trail contemplated in this Municipal Trail MOU are anticipated to be subject to a number of considerations, including budgetary and timing priorities, site conditions, and unforeseen contingencies.

2.2 The STSHIP and the DoS agree the design and construction will be based

on an understanding of contribution by each party as outlined in section 3 this Municipal Trail MOU.

2.3 The design and alignment of the trail will consider the DoS “Trail

Standards” document during preliminary design. The DoS Trail Standards document is currently under development, and contains design specifications for a trail. These specifications will be confirmed by DoS during the preliminary design phase.

2.4 DoS will secure trail right of way agreements for public access on all

Crown , B.C. Hydro, First Nations, and privately owned lands, where required.

3. Funding agreement 3.1 STSHIP will facilitate a contribution of $450,000 to the DoS for

construction of the trail. 3.2 DoS will contribute a minimum of $337,050 for the design and construction

of the multi-use trail by way of property off-set costs paid by the Province for DoS lands required for highway widening. This contribution will be added to the STSHIP contribution. The design/construction of the trail is conditional on the DoS providing DoS funding contribution, as contemplated in this Municipal Trail MOU.

3.3 Where there may be insufficient funds to meet all design criteria, DoS, in

consultation with STSHIP, will review priorities and reallocate funds, as required, with the approved funding budget.

4. Permit for the use of Highway Right-of Way 4.1 The DoS will apply to the Ministry of Transportation for a permit to use all

provincial public highways (as defined in the Transportation Act) required for the trail. The design of the trail will strive to minimize the use of provincial public highways. The application for a permit will be made following preliminary design of the trail.

4.2 The form for the permit will be as per “Trans Canada Trail-Ministry of

Transportation Policy and Guidelines, November 2001” or as amended at the time of application.

5. Construction design 5.1 The design of the trail will be developed by a technical working group. The

technical working group will, in developing the design of the trail, determine the appropriate construction elements for the project based on the available level of funding, DoS priorities and will consider community input.

5.2 The technical working group will consist of members from the DoS,

Squamish Trails Society and the STSHIP, or as otherwise agreed between the DoS and the STSHIP.

5.3 STSHIP and DoS will seek community input on the design of the trail

during the preliminary design consultation program in accordance with section 8.

6. Trail construction 6.1 The DoS will arrange for the trail construction. 6.2 The DoS will administer the trail construction. Funding for the

administration will be allocated from the contributions as described in section 3.

6.3 The trail construction is anticipated to be completed in parallel with the

Highway 99 construction as it progresses through the community, or as otherwise agreed between the DoS and the STSHIP.

6.4 The DoS, in collaboration with STSHIP, will expeditiously carry out the

final review and sign-off of the trail constructed within the budget allocation.

7. Trail maintenance 7.1 On completion of the trail construction the DoS will be responsible for the

maintenance and all future improvement or development of the trail as may be outlined in the permit described in section 4.2. DoS will apply for access to the right of way that may be required for trail maintenance purposes.

8. Community consultation 8.1 The STSHIP consulted with the community in September 2004 regarding

a multi-use pathway parallel to Highway 99. As it is the desire of the DoS to construct a path parallel to Highway 99, the STSHIP requires that the community be consulted, to provided input on the proposed design. Community consultation on the trail will be integrated into the STSHIP preliminary design consultation program for highway improvements in the urban Squamish area. The DoS and the STSHIP will develop a community consultation program for detailed design of the trail.

A CASCADEENVIRONMENTALRESOURCEGROUPLTD

MEMORANDUM

DATE:

TO:

CC:

FROM:

RE:

FILE#:

October 24, 2006

Francesca Knight, Environmental Coordinator, Dist. Squamish

nfa

MikeNelson, R.P.Bio.,CERGPrincipal

Squamish Trail Corridor Map Review -Proposal

200632

Cascade EnvironmentalResourceGroupLtd.(CERG)is pleased to submitthis proposalto conductan EnvironmentalPlanningreviewofthe proposedroutingofa trailsystemparallelingHighway99 withinthe Districtof Squamish. Specifically,CERGwillinvestigateenvironmentalfeatures and the opportunitiesand constraintsofa trailparallelingHighway99 fromClevelandAvenueto DepotRoad. The purposeof the workis to determinewhichside ofthe highwayis mostappropriatefora parallelingtrail,andto assist in trailrouting. CERGenvisionsthat these analyses willprimarilybe a mappingexercise as indicatedbythe followingtasks:

1. Collection of Existing InformationThis portion of the project would consist of gathering existing information in thecorridor 100m on either side of Highway99 from Cleveland Avenue to DepotRoad. Sources willinclude:

a. DraftTerrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM)prepared for the District byCERG. This mapping includes a base geo referenced ortho air photo, aswell as pre-typed TEMunits.

b. GPS mapping of existing drainages east of Highway 99 from theAdventure Centre to Brennan Park, prepared for the Districtby CERG.

c. Ecosystem Mapping of the Highway 99 Corridor from Horseshoe Bay toWhistler, prepared for the Sea-To-Sky Improvement Project by RobertsonEnvironmental, SNC Lavalin &Talisman.

d. Highway 99 DBFO Design Drawings prepared by Hatch MottMacDonaldto delineate the extent of clearing for the new highway alignment and thehighway ROW (to be obtained by others)

2. Field Ground Truthing and Collection of Missing DataThis portion of the project would consist of ground truthing the ecosystemmapping (TEM Units), and locating missing drainages and fisheries enhancementchannels and other aquatic and sensitive terrestrial habitat withinthe study areausing GPS (sub-metre accuracy).

3. Mapping and AssessmentUpon completion of the ground truthing and GPS data collection, the data willbecompiled and mapped, with a detailed legend developed. A brief explanatory

www.cl$cade-environmentat.ca

WHISTLER, UNIT 3.1005 ALPHA LAKEROADWHISTLERBCCANADAVON \Bl TEL604.938.1949 FAX604.938.1247SQUAMISH:UNIT203. 38026 2nd AVENUESQUAMISHBCCANADAVON3GOTEL604.BI5.0901 FAX604.815.0904

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A CASCADEENVIRONMENTALRESOURCEGROUI'LTO

report may also be prepared to explain features on the map, as/if necessary, toindicate sensitive ecosystems.

4. Stakeholder InputPotential trails locations will be mapped for discussion with stakeholders. Theextent of the stakeholder input will ultimately be determined by the District,however, for the purposes of this proposal, will be limited to one meeting.

5. Report / Map ProductionThe final report would consist of two main parts, a descriptive componentexplaining sensitive ecosystems and TEM Units within the project areas andoutlining discussions with the stakeholder groups, and a rationale for final trailroute selection; and a mapping component which will illustrate TEM Units andsensitive ecosystems, streams and watercourses, the highway alignment andother manmade features, and potential trail routes as well as the final trailalignment selection.

Project TeamThe CERG project team will consist of Mike Nelson, R.P.Bio, (CERG Principal), ChristineCunliffe, B.I.T. and Kate Wilkes, B.I.T. (Field Biologists), with Chris Wood, M.Sc. beingresponsible for visual analysis and map production.

DeliverablesThe project team will provide mapping and explanatory notes for the Stakeholdermeetings, as well as 3 copies of all final materials produced to the District of Squamish.

TimingWork cancommenceas soonas authorizationto proceedis granted.

Client ResponsibilityThe proponent shall be responsible for the following:

. appoint a liaison for the project,

. provide meeting space and arrange for stakeholder participation,

. provide access to all pertinent files, maps, orthophotos and information on thesubject property,

. provide gee-referenced design drawings for Highway 99 between ClevelandAvenue and Depot Road in digital format (DXF, DGN, DWG, or ARCinfo files),

. incur costs associated with data acquisition, if the client requests/requiresadditional data acquisition beyond that specified in this proposal,

. incur costs of producing additional maps/reports.

2 I PROPOSAL I PREPARED FOR: Districtof Squamish I File #: 200632 I Date: October 24, 2006 I

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A CASCADEENVIRONMENTALRESOURCE GROUP LTfJ

Fee Schedule 2006

Professional Classification

Senior PrincipalPrincipal ConsultantResource ManagerResource PlannerG.I.S SpecialistG.I.S. AnalystSenior BiologistFish and Wildlife BiologistResource AnalystEnvironmental TechnicianClerical

$140.00$110.00$100.00

$85.00$95.00$85.00$85.00$60.00$60.00$55.00$50.00

Day Rate(based on an 8 hour day)

$1120.00 per day$880.00 per day$800.00 per day$680.00 per day$760.00 per day$680.00 per day$680.00 per day$480.00 per day$480.00 per day$440.00 per day$400.00 per day

Hourly Rate

Expenses

Mileage charges (paved roads and highways)Mileage charges (forest roads and 4X4 travel)Photocopies (BIW)Laser Printing (BIW)Laser Printing (Colour)Plotting (linework, BW)Plotting (linework, colour)Plotting (images, plain paper)Plotting (images, glossy paper)ElectrofisherMonitoring/sampling InstrumentationFilm, flagging and other misc. charges

$0.46 per km$0.56 per km$0.30 per page$0.20 per page$1.00 per page$3.00 per ff$5.00 per ff$8.00 per ff$9.00 per ff$60.00 per day$20.00 per dayat cost

I PROPOSAL I PREPARED FOR: District of Squamish I File #: 200632 I Date:October24, 2006I 3

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A CASCADEENVIRONMENTALRESOURCE GROUPno

PROJECT COSTS

Professional FeesTask 1) Collection of Existing Information

Mike Nelson* % dayChris Wood 1% day

Task 2) Ground Truth & Data CollectionMike Nelson % dayChristine Cunliffe 1 dayKate Wilkes 1 day

Task 3) Mapping & AssessmentMike Nelson % dayChris Wood 1 dayKate Wilkes % day

Task 4) Stakeholder InputMike Nelson % day

Task 5) Report / Map ProductionMike Nelson 'VadayKate Wilkes % dayChris Wood % day

$ 220.001,140.00

220.00480.00480.00

220.00760.00240.00

440.00

Sub-total

110.00240.00380.00

$ 4,930.00

300.00100.0050.00

$450.00

5,380.00

Estimated Expenses1) MaplReport Production2) Trimble GPS3) Miscellaneous Expenses

Sub-total

Total

Note that all fees and expenses are subject to G.S.T. CERG invoices monthly, withpayment due upon receipt.

*Forthe purposes of keeping the costs down for this proposal, Mike Nelson willbecharged out at the Principal consultant's rate of $110 per hour.

Please do not hesitate to call should there be any questions or concerns with this feeproposal.

4 I PROPOSAl I PREPAREDFOR: District of Squamish I File#: 200632 I Date:October24, 2006I