Councillors briefed on Confederation Line construction

CITY HALL – Finance and Economic Development Committee members were briefed today on the progress of construction of the Confederation Line today (Sept. 11).

City staff provided a project update, with respect to completion of stations, communications systems and train vehicles. City staff indicated they believe that RTG will not make the Revenue Service Availability date of Nov. 2. Further, staff advised their most recent assessment of when residents will be able to travel on Confederation Line has shifted beyond November of this year, and likely into 2019. This will allow completion of the project and for full system operational testing to be done. This extension will not impact the safety and reliability of the LRT system once it is operational.

The city ended the second quarter of 2018 with an operating surplus of $7.6 million, according to a report received today by the committee. Staff forecast that the city will end the year with an overall $14.4 million operating surplus.

Millennium Park could soon be home to a new sports field dome, after the committee approved authorizing staff to issue a request for proposals. Staff will review submissions and report back to Committee and Council if a suitable proponent is found.

The committee received annual reports from all 19 Business Improvement Associations. In 2017, the associations collectively contributed $6.7 million towards beautification, promotion, cleanliness and safety in their communities.

Items approved at today’s Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting will be considered by Council on Wednesday, Sept. 26.