KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — The Town of Kensington will be applying for funding through the Province of Prince Edward Island Active Transportation Fund.
Council voted unanimously at a recent committee of council meeting to authorize chief administrative officer Geoff Baker to submit an online application. The deadline for consideration for the next fiscal year is Dec. 4.
The fund, which is in Year 2, is a five-year program that provides $5 million per year for active transportation projects across P.E.I.
“The intent of the Active Transportation Fund is to provide connectivity within your community,” said Baker.
This includes providing access to trails such as the Confederation Trail and the John Hogg Public Forest Trail System.
Proposed projects for Kensington include Victoria Street East, from Brookins Drive to Queen Elizabeth Elementary School, along Barrett Street from Garden Drive to Broadway Street South, and along Broadway Street South from Barrett Street to the Confederation Trail access. The total estimated cost for the three projects is $476,075.
The town is proposing that the project be cost-shared between the Active Transportation Fund (50 per cent) and the town’s gas tax allotment (50 per cent). Baker said he is awaiting confirmation to confirm if the two funds can be “stacked together.”
Should this be approved, the town’s Gas Tax Capital Investment Plan would require re-profiling.
“We have re-profiled about four times already,” said Baker.
Coun. Ivan Gallant asked if the fund has to be used just for sidewalks, or if it can hook into the trails?
“If it provides connectivity within your community, then it potentially qualifies for funding,” said Baker.
Gallant said he feels the Brookins Drive project, which is close to the town’s two schools, is very important.
Baker explained that the project is a perfect example because it provides a link to an existing sidewalk that leads to the Confederation Trail, which ultimately leads to the John Hogg Public Forest.
“It’s that connectivity argument that we are basically linking a neighbourhood within our community to the walking trail system,” said Baker.
The proposed projects promote healthy lifestyles, which falls under the town’s 10-year Strategic Vision and Official Plan, noted Baker.
Mayor Rowan Caseley said he is optimistic.
Briefs
Notes from the recent Town of Kensington committee of council meeting:
The Kensington Fire Department responded to a total of eight incidents in October. The department’s busiest month of 2020 to date was August when it responded to 21 incidents.
Four cohorts have been approved for Credit Union Centre. They include one group on the ice, one group in the dressing room areas and two groups in the stands – one in each section. These groups are not allowed to intermingle. There are staggered entry and exit times for the user groups.
In his report, chief administrative officer Geoff Baker said the draft form of the exempt staffing policy is nearing completion. Councillors will receive the policy over the next two weeks. The policy could be up for formal consideration at the January committee of council meeting.
Baker reported the Victoria Street West sidewalk replacement project is nearing completion. It is expected this week will mark the completion of the paving and sidewalk installation.
Kensington sold its former police vehicle, a 2016 Dodge Charger, on Nov. 12 for $4,950.
The town’s police department has been paying closer attention to areas where traffic flow has increased due to the construction along Victoria Street West. Two of these areas are School Street and Sunset Drive.
Through October, a total of 37 development permits have been approved for a combined estimated construction value of $4,352,300.
Coun. Ivan Gallant passed along some sad news regarding former Kensington policeman Colin Estabrooks. Gallant told council that Estabrooks, who was living in Sackville, N.B., passed away recently after a lengthy illness at age 59.
Gallant said Estabrooks started his 22-year policing career in Kensington in the mid-1980s. Gallant said Estabrooks also spent 15 years as a deputy sheriff in the City of Moncton.
Estabrooks was involved in sports and was a respected hockey referee during his years living in Kensington.
