The provincial government has completed its financial commitment to the first two stages of Ray Gibbon Drive with the announcement today that it has provided the final $1.22 million in outstanding contributions.
The first two stages, from Anthony Henday Drive to Giroux Road, cost $45.8 million. The provincial share was $19.55 million and the City of St. Albert’s share was $26.25 million. The city says half of its share will be collected back from the development industry by way of the city’s off-site levies bylaw. With Thursday’s announcement, the province has reimbursed all $19.55 million of its share of the costs related to stages one and two.
“The province has and continues to show its commitment to the transportation infrastructure in St. Albert, and we are pleased that the funds have come through this year,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse in a press release.
Stage three is already under construction and will extend Ray Gibbon Drive from Giroux Road to Villeneuve Road. Stage three costs are expected to be $34.2 million: $17 million for land purchase and $17.2 million for project and construction costs. Of the $17.2 million, $15.89 million is being funded through borrowing. Upon completion of stage three, the province will reimburse approximately $18.1 million.
Ray Gibbon Drive is projected to become a provincial highway in the future but that conversion would be a provincial responsibility. Plans call for Ray Gibbon Drive, from Anthony Henday Drive to Villeneuve Road, to form part of the future Highway 2 alignment. As such, the roadway is being planned and constructed to support its eventual conversion to provincial highway standards.
“The province is following through on its commitment to the City of St. Albert. This segment of road is part of ensuring Albertans have the roadway network they need to get home safely, to get to work and school on time, and to get our products to market,” said Transportation Minister Ray Danyluk. “In addition to supporting the needs of area residents today, our investment is also protecting the right-of-way for future growth.”
The partnership for building Ray Gibbon Drive between the city and the province involves cost sharing. The province reimburses the city for costs associated with upgrading the road from an arterial standard to a provincial freeway, including extras such as additional land purchases, construction costs to upgrade to a freeway and studies for planning to the provincial highway standard.
