Squamish city council is keeping a close eye on its critical infrastructure to ensure its prudent management over the next 30 years.
Council received three studies prepared by staff last Tuesday, Mar. 1, that provide recommendations to guide the management and funding of the District's asset base. It is the first time this type of data has been compiled.
"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 supported a 15 per cent increase in water and sewer utilities in 2011, stating that funding requirements from the reports show a need for increased revenue. The hike is necessary to balance a funding shortfall related to future repairs and replacement of critical infrastructure.
Included in the reports is a Public Works Asset Management Plan that examines the District's water, sewer collection and treatment, roads, sidewalks, streetlights, bridges, drainage, diking, flood-protection, parks and trails infrastructure.
The District's major and small equipment assets were also examined in the Fleet and Equipment Long Term Plan and looked at report, which assessed 17 District-owned buildings.
At the March 1 meeting council also adopted the Squamish Trails Master Plan, which provided a comprehensive strategy for the future of trails in Squamish.
