Bike lane budget jumps $2.5 million

But when the city asked for bids, they all came in significantly over budget.

the money largely from the roads budget and some from the capital reserve fund.

staff, are to reduce the scope of the project or cancel it all together

A bike lane on Steveston Highway could cost $2.5 million more than first anticipated with a total price tag of $11.5 million.

The original budget for the three-metrewide separated “multi-use pathway” on the south side of Steveston Highway from No. 2 Road to Shell Road which is scheduled to be built this year was about $9 million.

In a report going to city council, staff cited Inflation, a volatile construction industry and supply chain issues as some of the reasons for the increase in costs.

TransLink has promised $5 million for the project, and the province is chipping in $500,000.

If the project is cancelled which city staff isn’t recommending city council do they will lose the funding.

City staff is recommending council approve the additional $2.5 million, taking

Originally, city council had approved $3.5 million of city funds largely developer fees for the project.

If the higher budget is approved, it will mean about $6 million will come from city coffers.

Given the anticipated higher cost to build the bike lane, the city has asked TransLink whether there would be additional funds for this project, but they have said there aren’t.

Other options, not recommended by

The bike lane was approved by city council in three phases this budget just deals with the first two phases.

The third phase, from Railway to No. 2 Road is budgeted at $5.7 million and the report from staff says it should not come over budget.

This is a separate project that will be done later

The increased bike lane budget is on the agenda for next Monday’s committee meeting.