Comox council unanimously supported a motion in principle to support a harbour promenade enhancement project proposed by the Town’s parks superintendent.
Last week, Al Fraser presented council with his proposal for the project, which would include the addition of four new 10m x 15m platforms, a proposed 33m extension of the main walkway, a new hexagonal timber frame observation gazebo, electrical upgrades for vendors and a dedicated area enclosure designed to accommodate portable restroom facilities.
Fraser explained the upgrades could be looked at to support children’s events or other festivities in the park, including the annual Bullhead Derby.
He estimated approximate costs for the platforms at $160,000 each, the walkway extension at $80,000 and the observation gazebo at $200,000, along with a 15 per cent contingency.
Fraser added the budget does not include geotechnical engineering, construction management, services and tendering.
“It might take multiple years to execute,” he said, but added structurally, there are no issues with the current facility.
Coun. Ken Grant inquired if the project could be done in stages. Fraser said while it is possible, construction would require the use of pile drivers and would be more economical to perform all the work at once, but added that could constitute one stage of the project.
The next stage of the proposed project is to plan for and provide opportunities to solicit input from the public and waterfront stakeholders, compile the feedback and report to council and prepare detailed design and budgets, along with research a variety of funding opportunities.