FAQs • Will sidewalks be included in the Local Area Service

Will sidewalks be included in the Local Area Service project?: In blocks where the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan has indicated that a sidewalk is needed, the sidewalk would typically be included in the Local Area Service project.

Local Area Service

1. What percentage is the City’s and the property owner’s cost share?: The cost share is now 40% the City, 60% the Property Owner.

2. How are the costs attributed to properties along a block?: Property owners are charged based on the length of the frontage of their property, with 75% relaxation for side yards.

3. How much neighbourhood support is required for an Local Area Service project?: The Community Charter requires that a minimum of 50% of property owners, representing a minimum of 50% of land values sign a petition, for an Local Area Service project to be considered.

Local Area Service projects are prioritized based on:

Coordinating Local Area Service curb and gutter work with repaving where the existing pavement is in poor condition
On a first come, first served basis

5. Our block is in a steep area. How does this impact Local Area Service projects?: On streets where the front yards are steep, it is more challenging to construct curb and gutter. In these cases alternate designs can be considered, such as "parking pockets" or narrowed streets with no parking on one side.

6. What are the costs of an Local Area Service project?: The cost of an Local Area Service project can vary significantly from block to block. City staff will prepare a design and a cost estimate, once the home owners on a block indicate that there is initial support for an Local Area Service project. As part of the formal petition, property owners will be provided with the cost of the project, so they can use this information to decide whether or not to support the project.

7. What are the repayment options for property owners?: For Local Area Service projects that go forward, each property owner has the option of paying their share of the cost up front as a lump sum, or in payments (interest and principle) over time (typically a 15 year period).

8. I already have a curb and gutter along my property - will I get charged for more curb and gutter?: In cases where a property already has a curb in place, the owners of that property will not be included in the petition process, and will not be assessed any of the costs of an Local Area Service curb and gutter project.

9. Will sidewalks be included in the Local Area Service project?: In blocks where the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan has indicated that a sidewalk is needed, the sidewalk would typically be included in the Local Area Service project.

10. Is Local Area Service done in areas that are undergoing redevelopment?: In blocks where redevelopment (i.e. significant subdivisions, rezonings, etc.) is anticipated in a short timeframe, Local Area Service projects would typically not be supported as these improvements would typically be part of the redevelopment.

11. What is meant by “Local Area Service projects are considered on a block by block basis?”: Local Area Service projects are usually considered by all property owners within a block, and constructed in segments that are one block long. In other words, Local Area Service projects are not normally considered for only portions of a block. An exception to this would be on blocks where some of the street already has curb and gutter, and the Local Area Service project is completing the curb and gutter for the block.