Airdrie’s newly-elected City council faced its hottest debate to date, Dec. 6, as councillors clashed over the purchase of backup buses as part of the 2011 capital budget.
City staff recommended the budget include four additional transit buses, two for the local service and two for the Intercity Express (ICE) service, as mechanical spares. The buses would have been funded through provincial government grants. However, an amendment, presented by Alderman Murray Buchanan, called for just one new bus for each service.
“Buying one of each (local and ICE) makes sense but I am not sure we need four extra buses,” he said. “That level of spares seems excessive.”
Alderman Allan Hunter agreed.
“Citizens are saying over and over again that this bus doesn’t get them where they want to go,” said Hunter. “I am not comfortable with taking the grant money just because it is there.”
However, Aldermen Alexander and Fred Burley voted against the amendment, saying the City needs the additional buses because the ICE service is in its infancy and will continue to grow.
“I don’t think it’s wise to give up grant money for these buses,” said Alexander. “These are not only spares, but for future use as well and this way the money for the buses we need in the future will not come out of taxpayers’ pockets. If we get these buses, there is no impact to the taxpayer and it is a huge benefit. Why are we even discussing this?”
Burley agreed.
“Not accepting this grant funding is a disservice to Airdrie taxpayers. I know for a fact that the number of riders is increasing,” he said.
In a five to two vote, council backed Buchanan’s ammendment. As a result of the decision, the City will have to pay $48,000 to have buses on standby in case of a mechanical emergency.
The 2011 capital budget will include about $24 million worth of maintenance and major infrastructure projects. It will include:
• A second water line to provide backup to the current system is expected cost $8.8 million.
• A two-lane divided roadway constructed at 40th Avenue from 8th Street to Reynolds Gate. It is expected to cost $3.8 million.
• The addition of a CPR crossing at Railway Avenue. The additional crossing is located in the downtown district and will alleviate traffic at 1st Avenue. It is expected to cost $2 million.
The full budget document is currently being prepared and is expected to be published by mid-January, 2011 on the City of Airdrie website at www.airdrie.ca
