Comprehensive Infrastructure Reports
Council received three comprehensive infrastructure reports presented by staff at the Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Council meeting. The Public Works Asset Management Plan, the Fleet and Equipment Long Term Plan and the Facility Condition Assessment Report evaluates Squamish's critical infrastructure and provides recommendations that will guide the management and funding of the District's infrastructure asset base through the next 30 years.
These studies are leading edge in the municipal field as many municipalities are finding themselves unprepared to face infrastructure challenges. They are a vital part of the Service Squamish Initiative and the District's commitment to raising the level of service provided to the community on a sustainable basis. Squamish is now a leader in this area.
The Public Works Asset Management Plan assesses the District's water, sewer collection and treatment, roads, sidewalks, streetlights, bridges, drainage, dyking, flood-protection, parks and trails infrastructure. The report included a detailed engineering process discussing the quantity, condition, value, function, cost and risk associated with all the components of public works infrastructure. The report addresses timing and priorities as well as long-term affordability of replacing assets.
The Fleet and Equipment Long Term Plan analyzes the District's major and small equipment assets providing a detailed analysis addressing the long-term costs associated with the purchase, operation, maintenance and disposal of municipal vehicles and equipment.
The Facility Condition Assessment Report assesses 17 District-owned buildings and creates a detailed catalogue of the buildings that did not exist before. This report provides prioritized recommendations and presents an immediate and long-term budget for maintaining the District's building assets.
"The data in these reports had not been compiled before, nor did we have independent professional recommendations regarding the management of these assets. These reports were commissioned as part of the Service Squamish Initiative to ensure that we have the accurate information necessary to measure and manage our infrastructure in a responsible and sustainable manner," said Mayor Greg Gardner. "Residents are also able to review these documents online to gain an understanding of the District's infrastructure status and its impact on short-term and long-term District budgets."
Council also began addressing the funding requirements arising from this information. Water and sewer utilities will increase by 15 percent in 2011 to mitigate the funding shortfall related to future repairs and replacement of critical infrastructure.
