On Monday, July 11th, 2011, Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) submitted an alternative proposal to the City of North Vancouver (CNV) Council in place of the previously-rejected portion of the proposed Low Level Road Improvement Project (LLRIP). Council rejected the re-alignment and raising of the western end of the Low Level Road.
The Port submitted this alternative proposal just days before the Council summer recess. This only allowed 4 to 5 days for City staff and residents to prepare for the Council meeting to consider this proposal.
Based on PMV’s alternative proposal, the Deputy City Engineer prepared a motion to be put before Council. This motion was brought before Council on Monday, July 18th, 2011. City Council approved the motion to move forward with this phase of the project but it was not approved unanimously.
PMV’s Proposal for Detailed Design
PMV’s proposal was to perform the detailed design phase of the LLRIP. On completion, the Port would present the detailed design back to Council; thus giving them the opportunity to approve or reject the project.
The catch in this proposal was that City had to contribute $1 million dollars to this phase of the project. Only if the project was approved would the City / taxpayers have their $1 million dollars refunded.
The rationale behind this approach was that it moved the project one step forward by including analysis of the slope stabilization between St Patricks and Moody Avenues. The Port contended that the City would have to spend significant funds on slope stabilization analysis regardless of this project.
Rail Expansion
The Port’s proposal did reveal one additional piece of information that was explicitly stated: the Low Level Road re-alignment would allow for 2 new rail tracks to be built along the entire rail corridor. These new tracks would merge at the St. Georges Avenue tunnel.
Residents Rally Yet Again
There were 9 residents who spoke during the Public Input Period of the Council Meeting, once again raising their concerns about the consultation process, the timelines of the project, etc. View the this discussion in this video clip using RealPlayer from www.real.com.
Council Approval
Council decided that they would host their own Information Session and Open House, independent of PMV. Council approved the motion to move forward with this phase of the project so that they would have more information in order to make an informed decision at the end of the process. The motion was not approved unanimously. View the Council discussion in this video clip.
Detailed Design Due in Spring 2012
PMV will bring their Detailed Design back before City Council in spring 2012. Council will then vote on whether or not to proceed with the project.
