A total of 19 homeowners behind Coquitlam's Como Lake middle school are expected to see their back lane paved - with the residents paying for more than half of the roadwork themselves.
Two years ago, after council changed the cost-sharing formula on its Local Area Service (LAS) policy - a program whereby residents and the city share the bill to build new curbs and gutters - some owners on Winslow and Kerwan avenues asked the municipality to black top their gravel lane.
And last month, the city officially petitioned all 19 owners to see if they would be willing pay their portion: $280 annually over the next 15 years.
This week, Coquitlam city staff told The Tri-City News that, while the petition has yet to be certified by the city clerk and green-lighted by council, it appears the paving will proceed this summer.
The Kerwan/Winslow lane project will the first LAS since council upped the city's share from 10% to 40%, in September 2012.
LAS projects haven't had a big uptake since the program was introduced more than a decade ago, with city staff acknowledging the high price tag for residents.
The last three LAS projects, under the old 90/10 split, were:
Tide Crescent: In 2010, a dozen residents paid a total of $36,000 for new curb and gutters along a 180 m stretch with the city paying $4,000. The project was done in conjunction with city road work on Tide, making the cost for the curb and gutter less;
Armada Street: In 2009, 28 property owners were billed a total of $55,550 for new curb and gutters, with the city paying $6,172 for the 350 m stretch. Like on Tide Crescent, the project was in conjunction with city road work on Armada;
and Charland Avenue (at Austin): In 2007, 25 residents paid a total of $28,500 for a new cul-de-sac with $30,000 from ICBC and $6,500 from the city.
City staff say LAS projects can improve the look of the road, lift property values and reduce street maintenance. Council has also said the cost-sharing program with residents is a good way to keep taxes low.
This year, the city has budgeted $200,000 toward the program.
