A narrow sidewalk in front of one of the oldest golf clubs in Metro Vancouver will get a lift by the city next year.
But several trees will have to be chopped down before construction close to the Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam begins.
On Monday, council-in-committee heard about the $1.1-million infrastructure project that will start in the spring along the north side of Austin Avenue, between Walker and Guilby streets.
The municipality is splitting the costs to pay for the new 600 m elevated section with the provincial government, which recently awarded $500,000 under its BC Active Transportation Grant Program.
Jaime Boan, Coquitlam’s general manager of engineering and public works, said the sidewalk upgrade is needed as the stretch is a link between the Austin Heights and Lougheed Town Centre neighbourhoods.
As well, the pathway will be widened to a 1.8 m standard that will help with pedestrian and mobility safety.
However, Boan noted, an arborist has recommended that 29 trees will have to go before the project begins; city staff have designed larger and longer retaining walls to save the tree roots.
Still, another 100 trees will remain in place and an additional 35 trees and shrubs will be planted next fall, once the new sidewalk is in.
Coun. Brent Asmundson said many people are moving into the area and, if the city doesn’t take out the unhealthy trees and one falls, the city is liable.
Boan said city staff met with representatives of the Vancouver Golf Club in June to discuss the plans.
The south section of the Austin Avenue sidewalk will be redone at a later date.
