No more bricks on Riverside

Sicamous council selected the mid-priced option of brushed concrete to replace the Riverside Avenue sidewalk which is slated to be dug up as an aging water main needs an upgrade.

Earlier in September, district staff were directed to look into cost estimates for different options to replace the interlocking brick sidewalk between Kappel Street and Martin Street.

At a special council meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, staff presented the council with four options for the sidewalk replacement.

The first option, plain asphalt, was available at no additional cost as it was already part of the current replacement plan. The second option, concrete with a brushed finish, would be an additional $117,351.

A stamped and tinted concrete surface was estimated to cost $208,389, and paving stones were priced at $245,830.

The current remaining budget for the sidewalk replacement is $65,000.

In her report, Bianca Colonna, the district's chief financial officer, recommended going with the first or second option.

“Understanding that this will set the precedent for the next phase of Riverside Avenue as well, staff is recommending, if we're going to concrete, option number two, the concrete brush finish," she said. "Just because there's a significant additional cost going to the stamped concrete."

Colonna said in addition to the paving stones being more expensive, the lead time required would not allow for the construction to finish before winter, making it “not a viable option.”

Coun. Gord Bushell expressed disappointment that pavers weren’t a viable option.

“I have a hard time I guess we’ll call it downgrading to asphalt or concrete,” he said.

He said if the district switched to something else, they would need to get rid of the rest of the interlocking paver sidewalks along Riverside Avenue.

“We're going to have to start planning to get rid of all the interlocking brick sidewalks because it's crazy to have a mix,” he added.

Coun. Malcolm Makayev said he was still in favour of the pavers.

“I'm kind of leaning towards paving stones even if they can't be done this year, I think we have to look long term,” he explained. “It's [the] most expensive option for the taxpayers. But we're a resort community, and we rely on tourism and I think that adds to the form and character of our community.”

Other members of the council argued brushed concrete was the way to go.

“I lean towards brushed concrete because we’ve got a lot more work to do, and it's a lot of money,” said Coun. Bob Evans. “And also, we have an over 50 per cent seniors population in this town and I think the brushed concrete sidewalks would be better for everything with a wheel.”

In the end, a motion was passed to move forward with brushed concrete for a net cost of $182,351.

The additional $117,351 will be funded from the roads reserve and the development cost charges reserve.