On Thursday, January 29, Champlain Township Council tabled a report concerning the design and construction of a 362-metre sidewalk along Highway 34 between Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) and the Vankleek Hill Foodland. EVB Engineering estimates the project would cost the township $1,046,788, inclusive of HST.
Champlain Director of Public Works Maxime Lafrance reported that the department retained EVB Engineering to review available options for extending the sidewalk along Highway 34 and to provide a cost estimate as part of a preliminary assessment. Following its assessment, EVB Engineering found that topographic and geotechnical surveys, as well as a soil characterization report, would be required before the project could proceed.
Construction alone is expected to cost approximately $805,656, should the council choose to proceed following further approvals.
Councillor Peter Barton recommended tabling the motion, as Councillor Paul Emile Duval was one of the principal proponents and was not present at the meeting.
The project aims to improve safe pedestrian access to amenities along Highway 34 from VCI, where students often walk without a sidewalk and are forced onto the roadway.
