Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvements

Description:

Due to the proximity to the lake and recent landslide remediation’s along the lakeshore, the replacement of the underground utilities (water, sewer and Storm) posed the potential to destabilize the embankment. Therefore, the embankment will be reinforced with a sea wall. The seawall will not only allow for the replacement of the underground utilities, it will also allow for additional green space to be created overlooking the lake. Updates will also be made to the flow of traffic, overall parking plan, walkability and visual appeal of Lakeshore Drive. The project can be broadly classified into three main components:

Slope stability on the lake side;
Infrastructure improvements – roads, underground pipes, drainage improvements; and
Landscape architectural enhancements to develop the corridor as a linear parkway connecting Kinosoo Beach and Cold Lake Marina.

See how the project will look after completion. Use the slider to see the before and after views.

Location:

Lakeshore Drive (7 Street to 2 Avenue).

Updates:

April 19, 2022: Project update provided to Corporate Priorities Committee of Council.

See presentation (PDF)
See retaining wall concept (video)

June 23, 2022: Open house held to update the residents affected.

See Site Masterplan

August 2023: Construction of Phase 1A (Sheet Pile Wall) awarded to Chandos Construction
Sept. 21, 2023: Open House from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Schedule:

Clearing, grubbing, and grading work to start Sept. 25, 2023
Sheet pile installation to start end of October 2023

Background:

The Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvement Project was initiated in 2019 to improve the deteriorating underground utilities, road surface conditions, and slope along the lakeside. Another key component of the project is to establish and extend the Lakeshore Drive corridor as a continuation between the existing architectural and landscape themes at Kinosoo Beach to the Cold Lake Marina. The understanding is that all three areas (Beach, Marina and Lakeshore Drive) together would not only provide an attraction to the local community but can also be developed into a tourism destination attracting people from outside the region.

Budget:

Estimated Project Cost: $19,000,000
Approved Budget: $14,000,000

Funding source:
2019 ID349 - $500,000
2021 ID349 - $6,000,000
2022 ID349 - $1,500,000
2023 ID349 - $3,500,000

How will this benefit the community?

This project will enhance the view of the lake and accessible touch points will be created to allow the public easy access to the water. Additionally, a wider trail will be installed in the larger green space that will be created by the seawall.

Strategic Alignment:

This project is aligned with the strategic plan as it will increase tourism and accessibility to the lakeshore district and will promote development along the lake.

FAQ

What is the Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvement project?

Slope stability on the lake side
Infrastructure improvements: roads, underground pipes, drainage improvements
Landscape architectural enhancements to develop the corridor as a linear parkway connecting Kinosoo Beach and Cold Lake Marina.

The project is separated into three phases:

Phase 1A – includes the installation of a sheet pile wall, erosion protection, and general grading behind the wall from 2 Avenue to 7 Avenue. Phase 1A has been awarded to Chandos Construction.
Phase 1B – will include the deep underground utilities replacement, road and sidewalk rehabilitation, and landscaping from 2 Avenue to 7 Avenue. This work will be tendered in early 2024 for construction in summer 2024.
Phase 2 – includes the deep underground utilities replacement, road and sidewalk rehabilitation, and landscaping from 7 Avenue to 7 Street. This work will follow phase 1 provided funds are available.

When does construction start and end?

Construction on Phase 1A is expected to start September 25 2023, and scheduled to be completed by mid June 2024. It is anticipated that Phase 1B will start in spring of 2024.

How will traffic be re-routed whole construction is taking place?

Road closures will be in place during construction. Due to the extent of work, Phase 1A will be split into three zones from block to block. The zones that are not under construction will be open for public use.

Does the project include additional options for pedestrian traffic?

Pedestrian access will be maintained to the local residents. Other pedestrian traffic will be directed away from the work zone.

How much will the project cost?

The current engineering estimates are approximately $25 million for all phases.

Is this going to cause my taxes to go up?

No. Phase 1A of the project is already approved in the 2023 capital budget, and will not result in a further tax increase. A large portion of the project is funded through the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range funding.

What do I do with my waste and recycling bins during construction?

Residents affected by the work shall put out their waste, organics, and recycling to their curb or as near as possible on their normal collection day. The contractor will ensure that waste, organics, and recycling is moved to the project limits for collection by City staff. Residents are encouraged to write their address on their bins in the designated area.

Will I lose services (water, sewer, gas, electric) during the project?

Phase 1A will not interrupt any services.
Phase 1B and 2 will include temporary water shutdowns (up to 12 hours) required for the project start up. Temporary water connections will be provided to all residents through an above ground connection, and the contractor will be responsible for managing the sewer flows. The billing of services will be based on the historical water usage since move-in date.

Will dust control be provided?

Yes. The contractor will maintain the temporary road to keep the dust down during construction.

Where do I park if my driveway access is blocked?

Residents are requested to park on a side street or within the zones that are not under construction. Notification and signage will be placed prior to closing the road and during the shifting of work zones.

Will my property (driveway, yard) be restored?

Phase 1A should not include any damages to the properties.
Landscaping will be restored near the end of the project to the same or better condition as the start of the project.
Driveways will be restored as the road and sidewalk surfaces are restored.

Will there be noise associated with the work?

Yes. There will be noise created from the required construction equipment and a drilling rig. The construction equipment is permitted to work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and holidays if required.