features and plantings would create a more sustainable river corridor and control sediment with off-line pool.

The $100,000 allocation for 2020 is intended to fund the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.

RFP 129-2020 was undertaken during the fall of 2020 to advance this work, and concluded with the selection of the proponent.

Discussion:

The proponent ( Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. ), is proposed to be awarded the contract to undertake this work in an amount of $115,988.40 plus applicable taxes. The proponent will undertake a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (expected to be under Schedule “B”) for the preliminary study and design for Improvements to the Little River Corridor from the VIA Rail Tracks southerly to its crossing under Lauzon Road including liaising with all necessary approval agencies. The proponent will conduct the environmental study report in alignment with the Little River Corridor Improvements report dated October 2012 authored by Landmark Engineers Inc.

The goal of the proposed design would be to create a more sustainable river corridor while enhancing the ecological and aesthetic functions of the existing channel. There are five alternative natural channel design features that have been integrated into the proposed design. An off-line pool has also been proposed at the upstream end of the channel to help control sediments.

In addition, the proposed plan incorporates a network of informal trails within the channel banks as well as extending the existing multi-use trail west to Lauzon Road. Integration with the construction of new pedestrian bridges at Hawthorne Road and McHugh Street would be taken into consideration by the proponent to provide a safer continuation of the trail system. A further crossing opportunity under Tecumseh Road would be investigated to provide an alternative to the grade crossing at the lights east of the channel.

Additional funds in the amount of $30,000 are requested to support the contract award and to fund internal costs related to project management. The additional funds are proposed to be funded through the Sewer Surcharge Reserve.