Bridge lighting plan approved
Council gave formal approval to proceed with a plan that will see the Fraser River Footbridge decorated with an impressive lighting design. Shaun August, the Director of Design for Eos Lightmedia Corporation presented a number of options to Council. From a static, one-colour display to a system that allows for multiple colour schemes at different times of the year, there are many options for lighting up the old bridge. Council opted to go with a system that allows maximum flexibility for colour schemes. August noted that his company was excited by the architecture of the bridge, especially the Howe trusses. He noted that the lighting schemes will be able to play off the trusses, while also illuminating the concrete pillars.
The system uses heavy duty LED lights that carry a five-year warranty, the best in the industry. The lights use red, green and blue light in combination to create virtually any desired colour combination. As the system uses high-efficiency lighting, it will take less power to light the bridge than it would to run two hair dryers. The annual operating cost is expected to be about $650, based on a six-cent kilowatt-hour. This is about the same as the cost to operate the high pressure sodium lighting system currently in use. The total budget for the lighting project is $224,625. More than 80% of this is covered by a $1.759 million grant from Western Economic Diversification Canada under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal government's Mountain Pine Beetle Program. The City was able to pursue the project because the recent rehabilitation of the bridge came in well under budget.
The City will also revitalize the entrances and planters, while adding wrought iron security gates to replace the older chain link versions used in the past. It is anticipated the entire project will still come in under the original $2.1 million project budget, meaning the City will likely have to contribute less than the $400,000 committed to earlier this spring
Other News
Council approved ordering remedial action of a property at 785 Avery St. The structure has been deemed unsafe due to severe foundation cracking, caving and settling, exposed sheathing and structural walls showing excess decay. The owner has 30 days to take remedial action. If none is taken, the City will demolish the building, with all the work to be completed at the owner's expense.
The City will apply for funding to pay for permanent dike construction in West Quesnel. The estimated cost is $1.3 million. If successful, the City would contribute $429,000.
Important Dates
July 28 - 4 p.m. - Baker Creek clean-up
August 8 - Art on the Farm at Moose Meadows
Future Meeting Dates:
Next Regular Council Meeting:
August 16
Next Delegation Meeting:
September 7
Next Committee of the Whole Meeting:
September 20
Next North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee Meeting
September 14
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