Annual Report - British Columbia
84
Ministry of Transportation and Highways Annual Report 1995–96
Transcript of Annual Report - British Columbia
Ministry of Transportationand Highw a y s
Annual Report1 9 9 5 – 9 6
Ministry of Transportation and Highways940 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.V8W 3E6
British Columbia Cataloguing in Publication Data:British Columbia. Ministry of Transportation and
H i g h w a y s .Annual report. -- 1985/86 –
A n n u a l .Report year ends March 31.Continues: British Columbia. Ministry of
Transportation and Highways. Report, ISSN 0706-1897ISSN 1180-5315
1. British Columbia. Ministry of Transportationand Highways. 2. Transportation and state – BritishColumbia – Periodicals. 3. Roads – British Columbia– Periodicals.
H E 3 5 7 . Z 6 B 7 4 3 5 4 . 7 1 1 0 6 8 7 ’ 5
Lieutenant Governor of the
Province of British Columbia
May It Please Your Honour:
I am pleased to submit the Annual Report of the Ministry of
Transportation and Highways for the period of April 1, 1995 to
March 31, 1996.
Honourable Lois Boone
Minister of Transportation and Highways
i
To the Honourable Lois Boone
Minister of Transportation and Highways
Parliament Buildings
Victoria B.C.
We have the honour to submit the Annual Report for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1996.
Respectfully submitted,
Blair Redlin, Deputy Minister
Claire Dansereau, Associate Deputy Minister
Dan Doyle, Assistant Deputy Minister
Highways Operations
Har Singh, Assistant Deputy Minister
Management Services
John Dyble, Assistant Deputy Minister
Planning and Major Projects
Claire Eraut, Assistant Deputy Minister
Superintendent, Motor Vehicle Branch
ii
1995/96 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Mission, vision, values, principles and strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ministry Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Legislative Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ministry Reorganization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ministry Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Organization Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Improving Efficiency
Administrative Efficiencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Meeting Government Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Core Business Efficiencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Protecting the Existing Highway System
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Rehabilitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Highway Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Preparing for the Future
Planning Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Surveys and Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Working with First Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Capital Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Protecting the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Working with the Community
Public Consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Community Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Maintaining Driving Standards
and Reducing Vehicle Emissions
Driver Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Traffic Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AirCare Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Setting a Course for 1996/97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Financial Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
1
April • The minister releases a report on the effectiveness of the AirCare program that shows
the program has been a significant contributor to cleaner air in the Lower Mainland.
• Mary Hill Bypass construction begins.
May • The minister implements recommendations of the Tripartite Committee to improve the
cost-effectiveness of privatized highway maintenance.
• Ed Price is named new chair of the BC Railway Group of Companies.
• The minister tables legislation for traffic safety initiatives, including photo radar, vehicle
impoundment, administrative driving prohibition and a program for new drivers.
• A decision is announced that Craig’s Crossing on the new Vancouver Island Highway
will be an interchange rather than an intersection as originally planned.
June • Little Qualicum Bridge on the Vancouver Island Highway’s Inland Island Highway is opened.
• Construction starts on the Campbell River Bypass, the first Vancouver Island Highway Project
to be awarded in Campbell River.
• The premier visits Holland Creek Bridge in South Ladysmith during a tour of the Vancouver
Island Highway Project and reports to media on project achievements to date.
• The minister opens a new intersection at Highway 3 and Highway 97 in Osoyoos.
• The minister introduces a mandatory helmet law to come into effect in September 1996.
• The minister announces a review of the B.C. Motor Carrier Act.
• A contract is awarded for major repairs to the Oak Street Bridge in Vancouver.
July • The minister announces a study to examine options for dealing with increased ferry traffic
on Kootenay Lake.
• Construction of a new interchange at Westview Drive in North Vancouver begins.
• An enhanced CounterAttack program gets under way in 10 municipalities in Greater
Vancouver and Greater Victoria.
August • Tough new measures to collect outstanding traffic fines reduce the monthly increase
in default payments from $2.4 million to $400,000 in six months.
• The minister announces mandatory mechanical inspections for most used vehicles brought
into the province to help combat vehicle fraud and ensure vehicles meet safety standards.
• Construction begins on the Johnson-Mariner Way Connector to improve traffic flow in the
northeast sector of the Lower Mainland.
September • Mayor Allan Collett bridge is dedicated in Merritt.
• The first grants are issued under the provincial Cycling Network Program, a grant program of
the BC Transportation Financing Authority for which the ministry provides administrative
support. Eight local governments around the province are assisted with half the costs of
developing cycling infrastructures.
• Construction of a new highway to Duke Point ferry terminal gets under way.
• Premier Harcourt releases Going Places, B.C.’s first integrated multi-modal transportation
strategy.
2
October • Regional districts are given the option to take over responsibility for approving rural
subdivisions.
• The minister releases a report that analyzes speed-related crashes in B.C. The report shows
speed has consistently been the most commonly reported factor in fatal crashes.
• A North Vancouver firm is awarded an $18.9-million contract to start construction of the
Annacis Channel West Bridge, part of a major project to improve Fraser River Crossings.
• Thom Thompson is appointed president and chief executive officer of the Insurance
Corporation of B.C., succeeding Bill McCourt.
November • The minister and the minister of employment and investment open the Stocking Creek to
Transfer Beach section of the Vancouver Island Highway Project, the first section completed
after the October 1993 announcement of the $1.2-billion project.
• Local MLAs unveil a large scale model of the Victoria Approaches section of the Vancouver
Island Highway Project.
• The provincial government signs a five-year contract with IBM Canada Ltd. to replace
the Motor Vehicle Branch’s aging photo-ID licensing system with a digital system that
electronically stores the image of the driver’s photograph and signature.
• Police establish province-wide standards for deploying photo radar cameras.
• Fines are increased for driving schools and instructors who engage in misleading
advertisement or who operate without proper licences.
• A six-month pilot project to allow the transportation of five-metre-wide manufactured
homes on provincial highways in the Dawson Creek area is deemed a success.
December • The minister turns over the first speed camera and van to police at the Integrated Traffic
Camera Unit in Richmond, officially starting the photo radar program.
• A new counterflow scheduling system is put in at Massey Tunnel to improve traffic flow.
• Fourteen Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria municipalities receive grants under the
provincial Cycling Network Program, a grant program of the BC Transportation Financing
Authority for which the ministry provides administrative support.
Februar y • Construction starts on a $1.1-million overpass for cyclists and pedestrians at Regina Avenue
and Trans-Canada Highway in Victoria, part of the Vancouver Island Highway Project.
• The minister announces changes to the cycling laws to be more consistent with 1990s
lifestyles and needs. The changes recognize cycling as a viable transportation option.
March • The premier announces restructuring of the ministry and merging of the Motor Vehicle
Branch and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
• Starting March 4, police begin sending warning letters with photos to drivers caught speeding
by photo radar.
• Two studies conclude linking Prince Rupert to Digby Island and Tsimpsean Peninsula by road
and bridges is feasible but would cost $108 million.
3
Summary of Work Conducted in 1995/96 Kilometres of roads paved 1,699.6
Number of bridges rehabilitated 29
Number of new bridges built 48
Kilometres of new roads built 783
… the mission
The ministry’s mission is to facilitate the safe and efficient movement
of people and goods, and to realize government objectives by planning,
delivering and operating British Columbia’s highway infrastructure, and
by licensing and regulating users of the highways.
… the vision
The ministry’s vision is to provide an efficient and effective highway
system that contributes to B.C.’s social and economic development.
… the values
The ministry’s values are trust and respect encouraged through open
and honest communications, and professionalism and excellence
through organizational and personal development. Continuous
improvement, value for money, quality and innovation are all necessary
for success.
… the principles
The ministry encourages teamwork to deliver products and services.
Management principles stress quality and affordability to maximize
the benefits derived from highways investments, and to utilize
environmentally sound business practices. The principles foster
partnerships and dialogue with the public and stakeholders.
… the strategy
The strategy is to protect and manage core services, respond to
government direction, develop staff, focus on customers, improve
highways transportation planning and implement new major initiatives.
4
C o re Business
I m p roving Ef f i c i e n c y
To increase the ministry’s accountability to the public and to explore,
develop and put into effect new ideas to improve its efficiency and
effectiveness of operations.
P rotecting the Highway System
To protect the investment in the provincial highway system through
a commitment to effective maintenance and a timely program of
rehabilitation.
P reparing for the Future
To plan a safe and effective provincial transportation network,
coordinate provincial transportation policy direction and legislation
with other agencies and levels of government and enhance the
provincial highway network in order to facilitate economic and social
development of the province and every region.
Working with the Community
To communicate with the public and be responsive to community
needs, protect the environment in the delivery of all services and
support communities in the development of their transportation
networks.
Maintaining Driver Standar d s
To ensure the fitness and ability of applicants to operate motor
vehicles safely and reduce the frequency and severity of motor vehicle
accidents, thereby reducing loss of life, injuries, health-care costs and
insurance payouts.
Reducing Vehicle Emissions
To work with the ministry of environment and the Greater Vancouver
regional district to ensure AirCare is an effective emissions inspection
program.
5
The Ministry of Transportation and Highways plans, builds and
maintains the provincial highway system and regulates users of the
system. It has four departments: Administration, Operations, Planning
and Major Projects and Motor Vehicle Branch, each headed by an
assistant deputy minister who reports to the deputy minister or
associate deputy minister. At March 31, 1996, the ministry had 3,290
regular employees, including 726 at the Motor Vehicle Branch. Auxiliary
staff numbered 176 at highways and 44 at MVB. As well there were
three coop students. The ministry had 3,696 authorized full-time
equivalent positions. Headquarters is in Victoria.
Highways operations are performed through six regional offices
located in Burnaby, Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, Terrace and
Nanaimo. There are 26 district offices and numerous field offices.
The Motor Vehicle Branch has regional offices in Burnaby, Nanaimo,
Kelowna and Prince George and a network of weigh scales and Drivers
Services Centres around the province. It is responsible for 12 AirCare
emission testing stations in the Lower Mainland.
During 1995/96 the ministry provided input in the preparation of
Going Places, a multi-modal, integrated provincial transportation plan
developed by the BC Transportation Financing Authority.
The Motor Carrier Commission and Reconsideration Panel, B.C. Rail
Ltd. and the Insurance Corporation of B.C. all report to the minister of
transportation and highways.
At March 31, 1996, the highways system comprised:
• Almost 84,000 lane/km of roads (41,500 km), consisting of
35,000 lane/km paved, 34,600 lane/km gravel, 7,500 lane/km
treated, 4,700 lane/km cold mix, and 1,800 lane/km dirt;
• 2,539 bridges, 64 tunnels and snowsheds, and 64 pedestrian
structures;
• 17 inland-ferry routes, supported by a fleet of seven certified
vessels, four cable ferries, six reaction ferries, four aerial tramways
for winter use, and a number of tugboats and barges;
• 164 maintenance yards, nine privately owned and the rest owned
and managed by BC Building Corporation and used by
independent contractors as part of their maintenance agreements
with the ministry;
• About 3,500 properties and prospects managed under the
ministry’s gravel management program, which in March
was transferred to the regions.
6
The Ministry ofTransportation and Highwaysplans, builds and maintains
the provincial highway systemand regulates users of the
system.
The Motor Vehicle Branch:
• Sets driver standards, licenses drivers, motor carriers, vehicle
inspection facilities, driver training schools and instructors,
administers vehicle enforcement and compliance programs, levies
and collects fees, fines and other taxes, supports the Motor Carrier
Commission to regulate and license commercial carriers, and
administers the vehicle emissions control program, AirCare.
Reports on BC Rail, ICBC, Motor Carrier Commission and
Reconsideration Panel are in the appendices.
The Legislative Mandate
As of March 31, 1996, the ministry was responsible for ensuring
compliance with the following acts:
• Ministry of Transportation and Highways Act (excluding sections
59 and 61-67), which creates the ministry and sets out its
mandate;
• Highway Act, which deals with the establishment, maintenance
and alteration and regulation of public highways in the province,
including bridges and tunnels;
• Motor Vehicle Act, which governs driver’s licensing and
standards, motor vehicle offences and enforcement, and sets out
regulatory signs;
• British Columbia Railway Act, which enabled the creation of
BC Rail, establishing a board of directors and setting out institu-
tional and reporting relationships with the provincial government;
• Commercial Transport Act, which establishes legislation and
licensing provisions for commercial vehicles, as well as
commercial vehicle configuration and safety standards;
• Coquihalla Highway Construction Acceleration Act, which
enabled the government to borrow money to build the highway,
and allows for the collection of tolls;
• Ferry Act, which permits the ministry to provide for an inland
ferry service either directly or through contractors;
• Highway (Industrial) Act, which, in combination with other acts,
governs the operation of vehicles on private resource roads;
• Highway Scenic Improvement Act, which allows the ministry
to impose regulations requiring the removal of unsightly
accumulations on property adjacent to highways or sections
of highways designated as scenic routes;
• Insurance Corporation Act , which enabled the creation of the
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, establishing a board
7
of directors and setting out the reporting and institutional
relationships with the provincial government.
• Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act, which sets out how motor vehicle
insurance is administered by ICBC, kinds of coverage, fleet plans,
liability provisions, and conditions for motor vehicle insurance
for the province;
• Motor Carrier Act, which established the Motor Carrier
Commission and Reconsideration Panel, setting out licensing
provisions and tariff requirements for motor carriers;
• Railway Act (various sections), which deals with corporate and
institutional matters for railways operating solely within the
province;
• Riverbank Protection Act, which enables the Lieutenant Governor
in Council to take appropriate measures to prevent the
encroachment of a river on its banks;
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act , which sets out
regulations and standards for the movement by trucks of
dangerous goods within the province.
R e o rg a n i z a t i o n
Under a restructuring plan announced by Premier Glen Clark on
March 4, 1996, the Motor Vehicle Branch will be merged with the
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. Headquarters highways
operations are also being downsized and some programs transferred
to the regions. The plan envisages the reduction of 360 staff positions –
300 at highways and 60 at MVB – for an annualized savings of
$42 million.
The restructuring focuses on ways to achieve efficiencies and make
programs more cost-effective. By streamlining operations, the ministry
will eliminate redundancies and waste, and by stressing quality will
ensure value for tax dollar spending. The aim is to put more dollars
on the road rather than in administration and to protect core services.
8
By streamlining operations,the ministry will eliminate
redundancies and waste, andby stressing quality will ensurevalue for tax dollar spending.
9
Transportation Regions
1. South Coast
2. Thompson-Okanagan
3. Kootenays
4. Central/North East
5. North West
6. Vancouver Island
Motor Vehicle Branch Regions1. Vancouver Island
(including Powell River)
2. Lower Mainland
3. Interior
4. Northern B.C.
Min
istr
y of
Tra
nspo
rtat
ion
and
Hig
hway
s
10
MIN
ISTE
R
BC T
RAN
SPO
RTA
TIO
NFI
NAN
CIN
G A
UTH
OR
ITY
B.C
. RAI
LD
EPU
TY M
INIS
TER
MO
TOR
CAR
RIE
RC
OM
MIS
SIO
NC
OLU
MBI
A PO
WER
CO
RPO
RAT
ION
CO
LUM
BIA
BASI
NTR
UST
SUPE
RIN
TEN
DEN
TM
OTO
R V
EHIC
LEBR
ANC
H
ADM
ADM
INIS
TRAT
IVE
SER
VIC
ES
ADM
PLAN
NIN
G A
ND
MAJ
OR
PR
OJE
CTS
ADM
HIG
HW
AYS
OPE
RAT
ION
S
CH
IEF
HIG
HW
AYEN
GIN
EER
ENG
INEE
RIN
G
DIR
ECTO
RC
ON
ST. &
MN
TNC
.
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
SOU
THC
OAS
T
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
THO
MPS
ON
-O
KAN
AGAN
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
KOO
TEN
AYS
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
CEN
TRAL
/N
OR
TH E
AST
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
NO
RTH
WES
T
REG
ION
ALD
IREC
TOR
VAN
CO
UVE
RIS
LAN
D
MAN
AGER
FIN
ANC
E &
ADM
IN
DIR
ECTO
RFI
NAN
CE
&AD
MIN
DIR
ECTO
RH
UM
ANR
ESO
UR
CES
DIR
ECTO
RIN
FOR
MAT
ION
SYST
EMS
DIR
EC
TOR
HIG
HW
AY
PLA
NN
ING
&P
OLI
CY
DIR
ECTO
RPR
OPE
RTI
ES
DIR
ECTO
RM
AJO
RPR
OJE
CTS
(2)
MAN
AGER
FIN
ANC
E &
ADM
IN
DIR
ECTO
RPR
OG
RAM
DEV
ELO
PMEN
T&
MO
NIT
OR
ING
DIR
ECTO
RM
ARIN
E
DIR
EC
TOR
AB
OR
IGIN
AL
RE
LATI
ON
S
DIR
ECTO
RQ
UAL
ITY
MAN
AGEM
ENT
BUR
NAB
YBU
RN
ABY
KAM
LOO
PSN
ANAI
MO
BUR
NAB
YKA
MLO
OPS
NEL
SON
P G
EO+P
LNG
TER
R +
PLN
GN
ANAI
MO
KAM
LOO
PSN
ELSO
NPR
. GEO
RG
ETE
RR
ACE
NAN
AIM
O
REG
ION
AL
MAN
AGER
FI
NAN
CE
&AD
MIN
REG
ION
AL
MAN
AGER
REH
AB &
MN
TNC
. SE
RVI
CES
REG
ION
ALM
ANAG
ERPR
OFE
SSN
L.SE
RVI
CES
REG
ION
ALM
ANAG
ERPL
ANN
ING
DIS
TRIC
TH
IGH
WAY
SM
ANAG
ERS
(26)
REG
ION
ALM
ANAG
ERST
RAT
EGIC
PLAN
NIN
G
REG
ION
ALM
ANAG
ERTR
AFFI
C
OPE
RAT
ION
S
BUR
NAB
YKA
MLO
OPS
NEL
SON
PR. G
EOR
GE
TER
RAC
EN
ANAI
MO
AREA
MG
RS
DIR
ECTO
RIN
TER
NAL
AU
DIT
DIR
ECTO
RPU
BLIC
AFF
AIR
S
DIR
ECTO
RST
RAT
EGIC
PLAN
NIN
G
DIR
ECTO
RFR
EED
OM
OF
INFO
RM
ATIO
N
EXEC
UTI
VED
IREC
TOR
OPE
RAT
ION
S
EXEC
UTI
VED
IREC
TOR
POLI
CY
& PR
OG
DEV
ELO
PMEN
T
DIR
ECTO
RIN
FOR
MAT
ION
TEC
HN
OLO
GY
DIR
ECTO
RM
ANAG
EMEN
TSE
RVI
CES
DIR
ECTO
R
PLAN
NIN
G &
CO
RPO
RAT
ED
EVEL
OPM
ENT
Not
e:Th
e In
sura
nce
Cor
pora
tion
of B
C w
as a
ssig
ned
to t
he M
inist
er o
f Fin
ance
and
Cor
pora
te R
elat
ions
on
Febr
uary
28,
199
6. T
he B
.C. T
rans
port
atio
n Fi
nanc
ing
Auth
ority
, the
Col
umbi
a Ba
sin T
rust
and
the
Col
umbi
a Po
wer
Cor
pora
tion
wer
eas
signe
d to
the
Min
ister
of T
rans
port
atio
n an
d H
ighw
ays
on t
he s
ame
date
.
Org
aniz
atio
nal C
hart
, Mar
ch 3
1, 1
996
■✔ The ministry strives to increase its accountability to the publicand to explore, develop and put into effect new ideas toi m p rove its efficiency and eff e c t i v e n e s s .
Administrative Ef f i c i e n c i e s
All regions and branches are required to complete Annual
Performance Agreements , which set out objectives and criteria for
achievement. This helps the ministry ensure administration and
operations are conducted as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
The ministry continued to develop a Strategic Management
Framework , addressing such issues as long-term provincial
transportation strategy, fiscal responsibility, environmental concerns,
free trade and enhanced international competition, traffic safety,
private/public partnerships, accountability and information access.
The ministry was an active participant in the interministerial
Accountability and Performance Management Advisory Committee ,
which seeks to improve the measurement of accountability and
performance – and thus effectiveness and efficiency – for all provincial
ministries and Crown corporations.
During 1995/96, the ministry processed 2,567 new claims by and
against the ministry. Of these, 67 were in litigation. Almost $34 million
in claims were made against the ministry, with 52 per cent funded by
various insurers, 46 per cent by government and 2 per cent by other
parties. Half related to bridge and road maintenance. The ministry
claimed $2.3 million worth of damages to government property during
the year; 68 per cent was recovered from liable parties and/or their
insurers.
Meeting Government Priorities and C o - o rdinating Responsible Provincial Tr a n s p o r tation Policy Direction and Legislation
The ministry works with other agencies and ministries in the
development of a multi-modal, fully integrated transportation system
that serves the needs of a rapidly growing population and enhances the
province’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. These agencies
include BCTFA, BC Transit, BC Ferries and ICBC, as well as the ministry
of employment and investment and ministry of finance and corporate
relations.
11
The ministry works with otheragencies and ministries in the
development of a multi-modal, fully integrated
transportation system …
The ministry is guided by government priorities. Foremost is the
requirement to reduce the size and cost of government so that vital
health care and education programs may be protected and the goals
of the province’s Debt Management Plan met.
The ministry received 440 requests for access to records under the
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act , 20 per cent
more than the year before. The majority were about subdivisions,
property acquisition, contracts and personnel matters. The ministry
also handled requests for Motor Vehicle Branch records, including
driving records and motor carrier reports, and requests from First
Nations on road issues.
During 1995/96, the ministry entered into 45 commissions with
engineering consulting forms under the Registration, Identification,
Selections and Performance (RISP) system, which assures commissions
are distributed fairly to qualified firms and individuals. The value of the
contracts was $6,585,841.
The ministry revised and updated the Minor Works Construction
Agreement to make it more easily understood by contractors, thereby
enhancing the competitiveness of the tender process and making
distribution of the work more fair around the province.
During 1995/96, the unit produced and distributed three engineering
publications on ministry standards, processes and guidelines. They
were: Interim Guidelines on Geometric Improvements for Rehabilitation
Works on Existing Highway, General Survey Requirements for Highway
Design and Construction, and Standards and Construction Specifi-
cations for New Subdivision Roads in Unincorporated Areas.
The Marine Branch continued to pursue a policy of “Open Routes,”
primarily aimed at the transportation of dangerous goods. It sought an
order from Transport Canada to apply to inland ferries the same
standards currently employed for land transport.
The ministry undertook a study on cyclists using freeway-standard
highways. The study, completed by an American transportation
authority, Alex Sorten, looked into whether cyclists could be
accommodated on such highways, with special reference made to the
Victoria Western Approaches of the Trans-Canada Highway being
constructed under the Vancouver Island Highway Project.
During 1995/96, policy branch staff represented the ministry on the
B.C. Airport Transfer Team to assist communities with airports slated for
12
The ministry is guided bygovernment priorities.
Foremost is the requirementto reduce the size and cost of
government …
devolution or privatization by the federal government. Staff participated
in business case studies on the financial viability of airport privatization.
C o re Business Ef f i c i e n c i e s
During the year the ministry conducted comprehensive design audits
of four major regional projects as well as 25 “as-built” drawings, in
keeping with its commitment to ensure value for highways spending.
The ministry produced almost 30,000 signs at its sign shop in
Kamloops during 1995/96. These included standard regulatory and
warning signs as well and 400 large aluminum panels for major projects
on the Island and in the Lower Mainland. They brought the total
number of roadside signs in the province to 236,982. The ministry also
operated 68 changeable message signs, controlled remotely in the
regions or at the Burnaby centre.
The ministry requires all contractors who build, improve, paint, repair
or demolish highway bridges to be prequalified by having an acceptable
safety record and a safety program approved by the Construction and
Maintenance Branch. Currently, 145 contractors have met the criteria for
the prequalification program . They are subject to annual reviews and
must submit their past year’s safety records along with renewal
applications. The program ensures the safety of workers and the
travelling public.
The ministry and the BC Transportation Financing Authority applied
the design-build delivery mechanism on two projects in the Lower
mainland – Johnson-Mariner Connector and Westview Interchange. The
method enables the contractor to take on both design and construction
functions of a project, leading to speedier construction, lower costs and
greater innovativeness, and reduced risk for the government. It is
proving a cost-effective way to deliver major project requirements.
In partnership with University of British Columbia, the ministry
completed two research projects to develop design standards and
rehabilitation strategies for bridges, culverts and retaining walls.
They included one on the durability of buried galvanized steel
structures and another on standard steel anchorages.
Another project initiated under the professional partnership program
with University of British Columbia developed a procedure for
warranting and designing runaway lanes. The project continued earlier
work in which truck runaway facilities were tested and an educational
video and brochure produced. An evaluation was completed of
13
The ministry requires allcontractors who build,
improve, paint, repair ordemolish highway bridges tobe prequalified by having anacceptable safety record and
a safety program …
promising new technology to prevent commercial roll-over and runaway
accidents. Test sites were identified preparatory to installing a truck
warning system in 1996/97.
The replacement of standard printers with laser printers was effective
in speeding up the process of traffic through the Coquihalla Toll
Station. The production of receipts was about one-third faster than with
the old method. While passenger traffic has remained fairly stable,
commercial traffic through the station has risen 11 per cent over the
past two years, and many carriers are using the BC Ferry Corporation’s
Commercial Travel Card to pay for tolls. More than 21 million vehicles
have passed through the station since it opened on May 16, 1986.
Revenues have topped $260 million.
A seven-year research project using Tall Oil Pitch in asphalt paving
was completed, and a paper on its findings was presented at the annual
conference of the Transportation Association of Canada in Victoria in
October 1995. The technology, developed in partnership with private
industry, is now used by paving contractors around the province. It
helps extend the life of asphalt, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
Work continued on finding replacements for asphalt cutbacks
containing organic solvents. Field tests on emulsified asphalt products
were carried out in conjunction with B.C. road builders and
environment officials. It is hoped that by 1997, new products will be
available to allow complete removal of organic solvents.
The ministry took steps to improve radio communications and extend
mobile radio coverage by adding one new mountain-top repeater station
and by moving five others. About one-third of the ministry’s mountain-
top repeater control equipment was upgraded. Two digital video systems
were designed, developed and installed – one on 99 near Whistler and
the other on the Coquihalla at the Zopkios Rest Area – to provide road
condition updates for television reports and the Internet.
A prototype system to enhance traffic along signalized corridors was
developed. Called an “intelligent dynamic traffic control system,” it
uses existing traffic signal controllers augmented by expert system
technology. The system will be field-tested in the 1996/97 fiscal year.
A new technique was developed to identify accident-prone locations
based on road-related problems, thereby allowing the ministry to focus
on problems that can be rectified simply by improving the roadway.
In addition, a high-tech system that diagnoses problem intersections
14
A new technique wasdeveloped to identify
accident-prone locationsbased on road-related
problems …
on the provincial highway network was developed and tested. The
system will help road safety experts work on the problems more
efficiently and cost-effectively.
Rumble strips, or grooves just outside the white shoulder line, were
installed for the first time for a stretch of Highway 5 in the Avola area
and were later incorporated in a paving project in Clearwater. The strips
are designed to prevent motorists from falling asleep at the wheel.
15
■✔ The ministry works hard to protect the multi-billion-dollarinvestment in the provincial highway system through ac o m p rehensive maintenance program and a prioritizedp rogram of rehabilitation that enhances safety and e fficiency of travel
Maintenance Pr o g r a m
During the year, the ministry spent $378,752,251 on maintenance
programs, including $295,315,282 for road and bridge contractors in the
28 contract areas around the province, and $45,471,647 for operations in
the 26 districts. In addition, $15.0 million went to ferry maintenance,
$13 million to headquarters and $10.4 million to regional operations.
The budget covered bridge maintenance activities, electrical and
regional maintenance activities as well.
Recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, which reviewed the
road and bridge maintenance program, continued to be implemented.
These included:
• Extending the contract terms to five years
• Establishing a standing tripartite committee to review
maintenance standards, and
• Specifying more qualified work in the contract.
All 28 maintenance contracts were up for renewal in the fourth round
of contracts to be let since privatization in 1988. Eight were finalized in
1995 and the rest during 1996.
Using the committee’s report as its basis, the ministry worked closely
with the BCGEU and the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction
Association to make contracts more effective.
The most significant changes in the fourth round of contracts were:
• Revised maintenance standards, clarifying required contract
expectations;
• Five-year terms for most service areas; in two areas, terms were
for 4.5 years;
• Revised quality management process to enhance monitoring
of contractor performance;
• Clearer and simpler contract language;
• Defined process for adjusting the annual contract price;
• Development of a preventative maintenance program.
16
… the ministry worked closelywith the BCGEU and the BC
Road Builders and HeavyConstruction Association to
make contracts more effective.
A publication was to be released in the fall of 1996 outlining
successful contractors for each area, together with negotiated prices,
terms of contract and previous incumbents.
The ministry is always looking for ways to make maintenance more
efficient. An example is a multi-year plan developed to hardsurface
gravel roads in the North Peace District, where gravel is in short supply.
Included are a pavement management plan and a proposal to reclassify
roads to reduce the cost of maintenance contracts.
Rehabilitation Pr o g r a m
The rehabilitation program provides for the restoration and
improvement of the highways infrastructure to ensure that capital
investments are protected, maintenance costs are optimized and road
safety enhanced. It includes road resurfacing and upgrading, bridge
rehabilitation and seismic upgrading, safety improvements, marine
upgrading, electrical upgrading and rest area development and rock-
slope stabilization.
The Rehabilitation Section at the Construction and Maintenance
Branch works with the regions and districts to assess the condition of
infrastructure for a three-year rehabilitation plan. All bridges are
inspected annually, primary roads every two years and secondary roads
every three years. During 1995/96, the ministry spent $111,354,607 on
about 560 rehabilitation projects province-wide.
Pavement During the year, the ministry repaved or resurfaced
423.68 km and used hot-in-place recycling on 513.96 km. An additional
761.96 km were sealcoated. The ministry’s Pavement Management
System helps optimize rehabilitation spending by:
• Monitoring pavement conditions,
• Developing multi-year resurfacing programs,
• Assessing maintenance requirements, and
• Performing initial project-level pavement designs.
Computer programming for the system was completed and extensive
testing of the software was carried out at headquarters and in the
regions. A start was made on a database on highway conditions. Surveys
were conducted on 10,000 km of primary highways. Similar work on
4,500 km of secondary highways was expected to be completed in 1996.
Bridges Under the Bridge Management System, the ministry redecks,
paints, repairs sidewalks and bridge abutments, replaces railings and
17
The ministry is always lookingfor ways to make
maintenance more efficient.
retrofits bridges to make them less vulnerable to earthquake damage.
Projects are prioritized. Thirty-seven bridges were rehabilitated during
the year. They included:
• Seismic retrofit of twin bridges over Colquitz River in Saanich to
prevent collapse during an earthquake;
• Replacement of a single-lane log stringer bridge across York Creek
near Campbell River with a permanent concrete two-lane
structure;
• Replacement of a log-stringer bridge in the Holberg area with
a permanent concrete stringer structure;
• Installation of a sidewalk and railing on the downstream side
of the single-lane Gold River Upper Bridge to address needs
of pedestrians from the new Mowachaht village;
• Construction of the Mayor Allan Collett Bridge in Merritt; and
• Completion of widening the Whipsaw Creek Bridge and
approaches on Highway 3 east of Manning Park.
A total of 131 bridges were inspected, including nine bridges in the
South Coast, 19 in the Thompson-Okanagan, 22 in the Kootenays, 40 in
the Central-Northeast, 26 in the Northwest and 15 on Vancouver Island.
Bridge coatings were inspected on all bridges in Region 1 and
Region 5. Those on bridges in Region 2 and Region 3 were to be done
in 1996/97, and those on bridges in the remaining two regions in the
following year. Under the Bridge Coating Rating Program, started in
1995, all bridges in the province are inspected every three years.
The provincial bridge coating inspection team is based in Region 1.
Quality assurance is carried out by the South Coast Geotechnical
Laboratory located in Region 1.
Nine bridges were resurfaced under the Bridge Resurfacing Program.
They included Charles Creek, Lake City, Westport Road, Montizambert
Creek and Anderson all in the South Coast, McPhee and Yoho in the
Kootenays and Dudley Little Main and Dudley Little West in the
Northwest region. Total expenditures came to just over $2 million.
Snow Avalanche Program Work continued on the development of au-
tomated roadside weather stations in partnership with maintenance con-
tractors. It has been proposed the contractor purchase and install the
stations, with the ministry providing the equipment needed to analyze
the data and electronic components for the stations. The information
will help contractors better monitor road and weather conditions and act
more promptly to changing conditions. A more cost-effective, electronic
18
… automated roadsideweather stations … will helpcontractors better monitor
road and weather conditionsand act more promptly to
changing conditions.
weather station was installed on Highway 31 in the Nelson-Kaslo area.
The station provides more timely weather data and road condition infor-
mation to improve both road maintenance response and avalanche fore-
casting. An avalanche safety program was developed in participation
with the Township of Stewart; another was initiated in the Kicking Horse
Pass of Trans-Canada Highway. There were 59 avalanche areas and 1,600
avalanche paths affecting the provincial highway system.
Rockslope Stabilization Geotechnical and Materials Engineering
conducted 24 rockslope stabilization projects to prevent rocks from
sliding onto the traveled portion of provincial highways. Nearly 6,000
cubic metres of rock were trimmed and 3,900 square metres of
protective mesh installed. In addition, 1,700 lineal metres of rock bolts
were installed as well as 350 lineal metres of strand anchors.
Winter Abrasives Study Research that began in 1992 in cooperation
with ICBC on the relationship between winter abrasives used by
maintenance contractors and windshield damage claims continued in
1995/96. Pilot studies were carried out in the North Cariboo district,
where a smaller winter abrasive was tested, and in the Bulkley-Nass
district, where smaller-sized crushed abrasives were tested. At the same
time, the ministry studied traction and skid resistance characteristics of
various winter abrasive sizes, and also looked into the mechanics of
windshield damage by flying rocks. Mitigation strategies failed to show
a change in abrasive would necessarily reduce insurance claims.
The study recommended that maintenance contractors continue using
abrasives to improve vehicle traction and friction in winter conditions,
and that the ministry continue its quality assurance program to ensure
proper standards are met.
Centreline Marking The Centreline Marking Group line painted more
than 28,000 km in 1995/96. These included 4,208 km in the South
Coast, 8,004 km in the Thompson-Okanagan, 5,405 km in the
Kootenays, 5,568 km in the Central-Northeast, 2,385 km in the
Northwest and 3,114 on Vancouver Island. In addition, 360 km of lines
received thermoplastic paint treatment. This included an installation in
the Tete Jeune intersection where the constant wearing away of the
centreline by vehicle traffic had given rise to a problem of vehicles
crossing over into the wrong lane.
Guardrail Program The ministry spent $1.65 million on about
90 projects in the Guardrail Program, identifying and prioritizing
19
The Centreline Marking Groupline painted more than
28,000 km in 1995/96.
locations requiring concrete roadside barriers. A safety audit was
completed on one regional guardrail placement.
Highway Pr o j e c t s
Highway 1 A 19-kilometre section from Nickomen Creek to Spences
Bridge was resurfaced, while a 30-kilometre section from Sicamous to
Eagle River was sealcoated.
Highway 3 Three-lane improvements west of Grand Forks were
paved, part of an on-going program to improve safety and traffic flow
along this section in response to growing traffic volumes. A 20-
kilometre section between Lumberton and Irishman Creek was repaved
using hot-in-place recycling technology, at a cost of $670,000. A 30-
kilometre section from Elko Overhead to Fernie was also resurfaced.
Guardrail flares were added and about 10 km of other roads in the area
were surfaced, at a total project cost of $3 million. In the Thompson-
Okanagan Region, 37 km from Manning Park to Whipsaw Creek were
resurfaced and 32 km from Princeton to Stirling Creek were sealcoated.
Highway 4 A bridge was constructed at Taylor Flats, the costs shared
with the federal government under the Strategic Highways Improvement
Program. Highway approaches to the bridge were widened and
resurfaced, and improvements made to the accesses to the Taylor River
Rest Area as well as to a portion of Hector Road near Port Alberni.
Almost 4 km of Lakeshore Road adjacent to Sproat Lake were
rehabilitated. Some sections of the old pavement dated back to the
late 1960s.
Highway 5 The electrical system in the Great Bear Snowshed was
upgraded.
Highway 5A A total of 7.3 km of the highway between Princeton
and Aspen Grove was resurfaced.
Highway 14 A portion of the highway west of Jordan River was
repaved by hot-in-place recycling, the project partially funded under the
federal government’s Strategic Highways Improvement Program. The
project also included resurfacing sections of the Old Cowichan Lake
Road adjacent to Highway 18 and portions of Highway 1A/Mt. Sicker
Road and Crofton Road. Reconstruction of the 167-metre Harris Cove
Bridge at Port Renfrew, partially washed away during high tide and
heavy rainfalls in December 1994 was completed in June 1995. The job
involved installing a two-span, 77-metre-long steel section.
20
Highway 16 Sealcoating was completed on about 26 km between
Tintagel and Priestly Hill, while the section from Rose lake to Decker
Lake – a distance of 17.7 km – was resurfaced to improve ride and
safety. Wildlife reflectors were installed along two km of Highway 16 in
Robson Park, a high-accident area involving vehicles and wildlife.
Highway 19 About 14 km of the highway south of Black Creek and
some local roads in the Courtney area were resurfaced using hot-in-
place recycling technology. In two sections, shoulders were also paved
during the recycling process. It was the first time this had been done on
the Island, with very successful results. A section of the highway
between Northfield Road and Dorman Road in Nanaimo was chosen for
the first application on the provincial highway system of a special type
of open-graded pavement that reduces travel noise and improves
drainage and traction. The paving project will be extended to Jingle Pot
Road in 1996. Traffic signals in the highway corridor through Nanaimo
were adjusted to improve traffic flow and reduce delays at intersections.
Highway 27 Guardrails were installed for a dangerous curve on this
highway north of Vanderhoof. The project was funded under the
Central/North East Region’s safety program.
Highway 31 The 15-kilometre section from Kaslo to Schroeder Creek
was strengthened and resurfaced. Guardrail flares were added, bringing
the total project cost to $1.68 million.
Highway 37 Construction was completed on a hazardous, narrow
9.8-kilometre section of the highway between Meziadin and Bell #1
bringing it to a two-lane rural standard with a 90 km/h speed limit and
improved vertical and horizontal alignments. Sections of the Telegraph
Creek Road that leads off the highway were realigned to improve safety.
Highway 97 Nearly eight km of Penticton Parkway were resurfaced
as well as 13 intersections between Glenrosa Road and Old Vernon
Road. Signal controllers were upgraded in Kelowna to improve traffic
flow along Harvey Avenue.
Highway 99 Highway reconstruction was completed at the Fountain
Valley slide near Lillooet. A system was installed to optimize the flow
of traffic through the George Massey Tunnel. The system counts vehicle
demand at each tunnel approach and recommends counterflow times
to minimize overall delays for motorists.
Nisga’a Highway Construction of a new bridge over the Nass River
at Gitwinksihlkw was completed along with associated road works.
21
A section of the highway …was chosen for the first
application on the provincialhighway system of a special
type of open-gradedpavement that reduces travelnoise and improves drainage
and traction.
The single-lane, 172-metre bridge replaces a foot bridge that had
previously been the only access to the village, also known as
Canyon City.
Atlin Highway Just over seven km of this highway that leads south
from the Yukon to Atlin Lake were realigned and another seven km
were regraveled. In addition, 29 km of the highway and 8.7 km of streets
in the village of Atlin were sealcoated.
Beatton Crossing Project Two contracts were awarded for completion
of this $29-million project, which has opened a new route between Fort
St. John and the Alberta border, a distance of about 12 km. The project
started in 1989 with the construction of six bridges, then fell dormant
until work resumed in 1994/95 with the construction of three km of
road. Grading for the remaining nine km was completed in 1995/96 and
substantial progress was made paving and placing gravel. The project is
scheduled for completion in 1996/97.
22
23
■✔ A major function of the ministry is to plan a safe and eff e c t i v ep rovincial highway network in consultation with the publicand other transportation agencies.
Provincial Highway Plan In the spirit of Going Places, the provincial
draft transportation strategy, the ministry continued to develop a
Provincial Highway Plan, covering a number of issues, including
environmental concerns, traffic congestion, community development
and corridor planning. The plan will help integrate corridor and
regional transportation system plans so decisions on investments can
take into account what is best for the province as a whole.
During the year, a transportation system plan for Greater Vancouver
neared completion and another began for the Okanagan Valley. Corridor
management plans were also started for a section of Highway 97 between
Cache Creek and MacKenzie and a section of Highway 1 between Kam-
loops and the Alberta border. As well, corridor management studies were
started on Highway 4 and Highway 14 on Vancouver Island, and func-
tional classifications completed for all Island rural highways.
The ministry has identified nine major highway corridors in the
province, and the long-term goal is to develop plans for each to be
incorporated into the broader Provincial Highway Plan.
Traffic Management Master Plan The ministry also worked on this
plan which, once approved, will address problems arising from growing
traffic volumes in the Lower Mainland. It focuses on better management
of existing resources to create a more efficient and cost-effective system.
During the year, the Traffic Management Group:
• Completed a TMP business plan;
• Completed systems development of technologies to support
user-service applications in the TMP, including a fibre-optic
telecommunications network;
• Began to develop an advanced traveller information system using
changeable or variable message signs;
• Began a preliminary design of TMP systems on the proposed
HOV corridor on the Trans-Canada Highway between Willingdon
and Cape Horn interchanges, and
• Started research on automated incident detection systems.
Cycling Network Program A Cycling Network Program was
established, providing up to $2 million a year in funding for the
construction of cycling infrastructure on provincial and local roads,
with the latter cost-shared 50/50 with local governments. A total of 27
The Provincial Highway Plan,once it is approved, …willhelp integrate corridor and
regional transportationsystem plans so decisions on
investments can take intoaccount what is best for the
province as a whole.
24
projects were approved in 1995 and 25 in 1996. They included new and
retrofit construction on both on-street and off-street bicycle routes.
The program is led by the BC Transportation Financing Authority with
the ministry providing administrative support.
Highway Safety Improvement Program Under this program,
a partnership involving the Insurance Corporation of B.C., the ministry
and municipalities, accident-prone sites are identified and engineering
strategies developed to reduce crashes. During 1995/96, the ministry
allocated $2.5 million for road safety improvements at about 80
locations around the province. Four areas of improvements were
targeted – intersection improvements, elimination of roadside hazards,
improvement of school bus routes, and general safety works.
S u rveys and Studies
Surveys were conducted in the Kootenays and Central/North East
B.C. to gauge public impression of general highway operations and
maintenance. They dealt with rest areas, signs, pavement condition and
upkeep of roadsides. The results were summarized in a report which
was made available to ministry branches and other government offices.
Overall response to ministry program was positive.
In the Central/North East Region, quality and service continued to
be monitored through distribution and analysis of information gathered
through a pamphlet, We’re Listening, and a questionnaire on Service
Excellence.
The results of a 1995 survey of professional drivers on Vancouver
Island showed drivers were generally satisfied with services provided,
but wanted more attention on repairing road surfaces and putting in
more left-turn slots. Concrete median barriers were more of a concern
for drivers in the south of the Island, while paving was a greater concern
for drivers in the northern end of the Island.
A strategic policy framework was started for the Trans-Canada
Highway between Kamloops and Yoho National Park. A joint project of
Thompson/Okanagan and Kootenay regions, the plan is scheduled for
completion in 1998/99. It will provide a planning overview and policy
direction for corridor protection, access management, rehabilitation and
capital construction programs. Region 3 developed nine options for the
south side of Three Valley Lake on the Trans-Canada Highway about
20 km west of Revelstoke. Evaluation and selection of the optimum
alignment remains to be done. The region is also continuing to evaluate
A 1995 survey of professionaldrivers on Vancouver Island
showed drivers were generallysatisfied with services
provided, but wanted moreattention on repairing road
surfaces and putting in moreleft-turn slots.
and identify possible routes on the north side of Three Valley Lake.
The terrain makes highway construction very difficult and would
necessitate considerable tunnel work.
A Strategic Planning Study was undertaken in the Kootenay-Boundary
area to produce short-term and long-term frameworks for operations,
rehabilitation and capital programs. The study was to be completed by
March 1997, when the consultant’s report would be presented to the
ministry.
Ministry staff joined in late 1995 in the first stage of preparation of the
Okanagan Valley Transportation Plan, a multi-agency initiatve led by the
BCTFA. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 1998.
A corridor planning study started during 1995/96 for the Yellowhead
Highway 16 from Prince George to the Alberta border. The process relies
heavily on consultation with affected communities and stakeholders.
Two preliminary studies were conducted on the feasibility of linking
Prince Rupert, Digby Island and Tsimpsean Peninsula by bridges and
roads. The studies were commissioned by the BC Transportation
Financing Authority. The first supported a 920-metre-long bridge
connecting Prince Rupert and Digby, where the regional airport is
situated, while the second supported a bridge and road link from Digby
to Tsimpsean, where about 2,000 aboriginals make their home.
Working with the First Nations
An agreement was signed in July 1995 with three bands in the
Hazelton area to establish a right of way over 13 km of the Kispiox
Valley Road through four reserves. The agreement ended a 15-year
dispute between the bands and the province and addressed such matters
as safety and sustainability of the road.
Archaeological and environmental assessment contracts were awarded
for a new two-lane gravel road that will link the Village of Kincolith with
other Nisga’a villages in the Nass Valley and the provincial highway sys-
tem for the first time. The 23-kilometre road is planned to run along the
north side of the Nass River from Greenville and will connect to a road
being constructed by Nisga’a Economic Enterprises Incorporated
between Mill Bay and Kincolith, which at present is only accessible by
water or air. The highway project is a co-operative venture of the Nisga’a
First Nation and federal and provincial governments to improve the
living standards of the people of Kincolith and expand economic devel-
opment opportunities in the region.
25
■✔ By enhancing the provincial highway network, the ministryfacilitates economic and social development around thep ro v i n c e .
The ministry delivers major projects – defined as projects worth more
than $50 million – on behalf of the BC Transportation Financing
Authority and in keeping with BC21’s implementation strategy and
objectives. The scale of the projects requires attention and care to
effective management. Performance targets are established for each
project management team.
Vancouver Island Highway Project Consolidated as a major project in
1987, with engineering and design work beginning in the 1988/89 fiscal
year, this massive project aims to relieve congestion and improve safety
for motorists travelling between Victoria and Campbell
River. In late 1994/95, the project scope and schedule were
redefined, chiefly to take into account sharply increased real
estate values and enhancements that stemmed from public
consultation and environmental protection requirements.
While the $1.227-billion budget (in 1993 dollars) was
maintained, some low priority elements were deferred and a
management reserve was created. The completion schedule
was extended one year to 2000. As reconfigured, the project
involves the construction of some 140 km of new highway
and 85 km of existing highway. An addition to the project
has been construction of a $12.3-million interchange for a
connector road serving the new Duke Point Ferry Terminal.
The Highway Constructors Ltd. project agreement was estab-
lished to provide similar wages and benefits to construction
workers on the Island Highway as the provincial Fair Wage
schedule sets out for workers on other government-funded projects.
In addition, the agreement makes local hiring a priority, guarantess no
strikes or lockouts and provides training opportunities for traditionally
disadvantaged people.
During 1995/96, the project spent $208 million. A total of 26
construction contracts were awarded, resulting in 508 person-years of
construction labor. The gross payroll was $29.8 million. Approximately
13 per cent of the construction jobs were filled by women, aboriginals
or disabled persons who are not traditionally employed in such work.
26
The scale of the projectsrequires attention and care to
effective management.
H i g h l i g h t s :Capital Region Extensive work began on the Victoria Western
Approaches with two major bulk-grading contracts between Spencer
and Helmcken roads. These contracts call for new interchanges at
Millstream and Helmcken roads, a partial interchange at Thetis Lake
Park and a major upgrade to the Highway 14/1A Colwood Interchange.
The Helmcken/West Burnside Connector, or Watkiss Way, was opened
to traffic.
Goldstream to Nanaimo A section between Stocking Creek and Transfer
Beach in South Ladysmith was opened to traffic and substantial work
was done on the extension of Christie Road in North Ladysmith.
Work on the Duke Point Interchange got under way using day labor.
Nanaimo Parkway Construction began between Mostar and Superior
roads. Grading was completed from East Wellington Road to Mostar
Road. The East Wellington Bridge was opened to traffic, and
excavation started on the section between Harewood Mines Road and
East Wellington Road. Construction started on the Cedar Road Flyover
and on the Cranberry Overpass and Overhead between Beck Creek
and Harewood Mines.
Parksville to Mud Bay Six bridges were completed. They were:
Kincade Creek, Corcan Road, Rosewall Creek, Chef Creek, Thames
Creek and McNaughton Creek. Work started on three other bridges:
Big Qualicum River, Nile Creek and Cook Creek. As well,
construction started on the Craig’s Crossing Interchange. Highway 4
was paved so the interchange could open to partial traffic. Paving
started on Highway 4A and preparations began to pave the highway
between Highway 4 and Mud Bay.
Mud Bay to Courtenay Preparations were made to award a contract for
construction of the Tsable River Bridge, the largest of 90 bridges in
the VIHP. Grading began between Mud Bay and Tsable River.
Campbell River Construction of the Campbell River Bypass started and
a contract for the Campbell River Connector was about to be awarded.
Trans-Canada Highway, Vancouver to Langley The ministry
undertook the functional design of a project to widen the highway
between Grandview and Cape Horn interchanges to six lanes from four,
with the additional lanes reserved for high occupancy vehicles In
addition, a value engineering overview was initiated to ensure the
project is built to minimal functional requirements. In order to compress
the soft peat ground on which much of the highway sits and provide a
stable base, susceptible areas west of Brunette River were loaded with
surcharged embankment fill that will remain in place until major
construction starts in summer 1997. Expenditures for the year were
$3,021,000.
27
Barnet/Hastings People Moving Project This multi-year project
involves four-laning Barnet Highway from St. John’s Street in Port
Moody to Inlet Drive in Burnaby, as well as improvements to St. John’s
and Clarke streets in Port Moody and Hastings Street in Burnaby and
Vancouver to accommodate the provincial highway system’s first HOV
express lanes. The project also involves construction of a 1.2-km
connector between Hastings Street and Gaglardi Way to improve access
to Simon Fraser University. Construction progressed toward a
September 1996 completion date. By March 31, 1996, over $90 million
had been spent on the project, whose total budget is $105 million.
Fraser River Crossing and Connectors During 1995/96, construction
of the Annacis Channel West Bridge got under way and preloading for
an interchange to replace a signalized intersection at Hamilton and
Highway 91A was completed. Property for the road and bridge
construction was acquired. Expenditures for the year were $12,023,000.
The work, part of Phase Three of a project to upgrade the Highway
91/91A system linking Delta and Surrey with Richmond and New
Westminster, also involves an interchange to replace a signalized
intersection at Westminster Highway and Highway 91A. BC Transporta-
tion Financing Authority has approved $17,069,697 in funds for Phase
Three since April 1, 1994. The first two phases involved construction of
the Alex Fraser Bridge and the Richmond Freeway, both completed.
Lions Gate Bridge Project Started in 1993, this project involves
technical and environmental studies and public consultation for
replacing or rehabilitating the bridge, which was opened in 1938 and
the road deck now needs to be replaced. During 1995/96, work
centred on reviewing the many infrastructure options available.
So far, $2.34 million has been spent on engineering feasibility,
public consultation and environmental assessment.
Highway 97, Okanagan Reconstruction of Highway 97 between
the US border and the Trans-Canada Highway continued to relieve
congestion through populated areas and alleviate safety concerns.
The project also involves improvements to Highway 97A and
Highway 97B. A total of 104 km had been upgraded by March 31,
1996, with a further 194 km left to be done. Reconstruction of the
intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3 at Osoyoos was
completed in July 1995 at a project cost of $7.7 million, funded
through the federal/provincial Strategic Highway Improvement
Program. Preliminary design was started for expanding the
Okanagan Lake Bridge to four lanes from three. Expenditures
28
on the bridge expansion project totalled $1.17 million as of
March 31, 1996.
Highway Pr o j e c t s
Highway 1 Construction started on four-laning 3.1 km between Sonora
Road and Monte Creek Road east of Kamloops. The project receives
funds under the federal/provincial Strategic Highway Improvement
Program and is part of a three-phase program to upgrade 11.3 km of the
highway between Campbell Creek and the Highway 97 intersection at
Monte Creek, as well as to four-lane 4.2 km of Highway 97. Passing
lanes were completed on 2.5 km of the highway east of Pritchard.
Highway 7 Design work and property acquisition were started
in preparation for the construction of highway improvements to
accommodate the Pitt River Bridge counterflow system. Property
acquisition continued in preparation for the four-laning of the Lougheed
Highway between 240th Street and West Boundary IR #5.
Highway 12 The preliminary design for the Lytton Bridge
replacement was presented to the Village of Lytton and the Lytton First
Nation. Negotiations continued with the latter over land issues.
Alternate alignments were considered.
Highway 19 A project to relocate and four-lane 1.8 km of highway
through Campbell River was completed. The project was undertaken in
cooperation with the District of Campbell River and the Campbell River
Indian Band.
Highway 24 An 11.8-km section of the highway from Lemieux Creek
west to the hill brake check in the Little Fort area was paved for the first
time. Work was completed in October 1995.
Highway 97 Design work and property acquisition were undertaken
in preparation for the construction of passing lanes in the Lac La Hache
area.
Mt. Washington Road Six km of this road were reconstructed and
paved under a unique partnership arrangement with the BC
Transportation Financing Authority by which the owners of the Mt.
Washington Ski Resort pay half the costs. The project involves total
reconstruction and paving of the entire 18-kilometre road. Drilling and
blasting commenced in the remaining 12-kilometre section, which was
scheduled to be completed in 1996/97.
29
Under a unique partnershiparrangement with the BCTransportation FinancingAuthority by which the
owners of the Mt.Washington Ski Resort pay
half the costs, the Mt.Washington Road project
involves total reconstructionand paving of the entire 18-
kilometre road.
Duke Point Fer ry Access Road Design and property acquisition took
place for this road that will serve a new ferry terminal at Nanaimo.
Advanced construction work costing $3.4 million was carried out to
facilitate major construction activities slated for 1996/97.
Lower Mainland Highway System
• Contracts for Gibsons Bypass Phase I and II were completed.
The new facility was opened to traffic in December 1995.
• Rehabilitation of the Lions Gate Bridge continued with further
sidewalk panels replaced. Major repairs to 32 roadway stringers
at the two main towers were planned for 1996/97. A full-time
three-member maintenance crew was to be assigned to the bridge
in the fall of 1996.
• Major rehabilitation of the decks on the Oak Street Bridge was
completed and plans prepared to redo the deck on the Second
Narrows Bridge in the summer of 1996. Seismic retrofit projects
were completed on the Queensborough Bridge and four
overpasses on Highway 1 east of the Port Mann Bridge. Retrofit
got under way on the Oak Street Bridge, and seismic design was
started on the Knight Street Bridge and on Lions Gate Bridge.
■✔ In delivering its services, the ministry strives to protect thee n v i ro n m e n t .
Landscape Standards and Practices During 1995/96, the ministry:
• Developed requirements for road and bridge maintenance
contractors to follow in meeting their responsibilities to protect
the environment;
• Produced a draft Environmental Management Plan detailing
sound environmental practices in planning, designing and
delivering highway programs, as well as a draft Highway
Environment Development Process to help regions and districts
train staff in these practices;
• Developed a draft quality assurance process for landscape and
rest area design services and produced revised landscape specifi-
cations for the 1996 Standard Specifications for Highway
Construction Manual.
• Developed a draft protocol agreement with the ministry of
environment, lands and parks on environmental issues, such as
contaminated sites, environmental impact assessment and road
maintenance operations.
30
During 1995/96, the Ministryproduced a draft
Environmental ManagementPlan detailing sound
environmental practices inplanning, designing and
delivering highway programs.
• Produced a draft memorandum of understanding with the British
Columbia Cattlemen’s Association outlining the policy on
highway fencing applications under Schedule II.
• Carried out research on two noise attenuation projects, including
one under the professional partnership program with University of
British Columbia involving optimum configurations and materials
for earth berm designs; and the other involving tests on open-grad-
ed asphalt paving, so-called “quiet pavement,” to determine noise
reduction qualities in both the short term and long term;
• Conducted research on the quality of storm water drainage and
the effectiveness of wildlife reflectors on test sections of highways.
Safety Rest Area Program Two safety rest areas were upgraded to
Class B standards. They included the Taylor River site west of Port
Alberni, where new composting toilets were installed, and the Cluculz
Creek site near Vanderhoof, where a new building with water-
conserving flush toilets was built. New information signs were
completed at the Wahleach Rest Area west of Hope on Highway 7 under
a unique project with the Sto:lo First Nation, whose members
participated in the research and the writing of the material. There were
209 rest areas on the provincial highway system as of March 31, 1996.
Contaminated Sites Remediation was carried out at five contaminated
gravel pits.
• The ministry removed about 80,000 litres of liquid asphalt
(350 tandem-truck loads) that had been dumped on the
Alexandria Indian Band reserve near Quesnel some four decades
earlier by a contractor who had opened a gravel pit on the reserve
to supply material for paving the Cariboo Highway. The contractor
had emptied two full tanker loads of liquid asphalt on the site,
and over the years it had been a source of great concern to band
members because in summer cattle would get caught in the mess
and become sick or die. The issue had been brought to the
attention of various government agencies before the ministry got
involved in May 1995 and ordered an immediate cleanup, which
took about a month. Subsequently, soil samples showed the site to
be contamination-free. It has since been landscaped and seeded.
• The Heffley Creek water system, contaminated by salt stored in a
salt shed, was completely restored in September 1995. Two new
wells were drilled for the community water system and a new
facility to store salt and sand was built. In addition,
environmental remediation was carried out at the site of the old
salt shed. The project has involved on-going liaison with the
community. A new salt shed was also built in Little Fort and
31
New information signs werecompleted at the WahleachRest Area… under a uniqueproject with the Sto:lo FirstNation, whose members
participated in the researchand the writing of the
material.
remediation carried out at the old site. A new salt storage area was
nearing completion in Barriere to replace two existing salt sheds.
Control of Noxious Weeds A representative of the ministry was
appointed to the Weed Control Committee of the Regional District of
East Kootenays, which is charged under a local bylaw to curtail
infestation of noxious weeds in the area. The committee administers
services to enforce weed control measures and liaises with various
agencies.
Environmental Protection on the VIHP A number of environmental
mitigation projects were undertaken as part of the VIHP’s mandate to
protect watercourses along the project. The two major projects were:
• Beck Creek, south of Nanaimo, where the channel, which
supports a variety of fish, including coho salmon and cutthroat
trout, was substantially modified to compensate for construction-
related impacts. Work was carried out between June 15 to Sept. 15.
About 2,000 fish were caught and relocated outside the
construction area. The creek and a tributary, Richards Creek, were
diverted through pipes, thus ensuring uninterrupted fish passage
and a steady supply of clean water downstream. The new channel
provides a quality habitat for both spawning and overwintering
for anadromous fish species. A bridge was constructed over Beck
Creek on the new alignment of Cedar Road, and a three-metre
concrete box culvert was installed across the Trans-Canada
Highway alignment. Gravel and boulders were deposited within
the culvert to simulate the natural habitat.
• Craigflower Creek in Victoria Western Approaches where a new
channel was constructed between the Trans Canada Highway and
West Burnside Road when the new highway alignment
encroached into the existing creek bed. A creek channel and a
backwater channel were formed, creating a spawning habitat for
coho and a high-quality summer rearing habitat for juvenile coho.
The back channel protects juvenile fish over winter, too, and thus
improves the salmon survival rate. Water was diverted from the
creek into the man-made channel in September. Overhangs and
undercuts were constructed to provide shade and protective cover
for fish. Native vegetation was reintroduced on the banks.
Artificial shading was installed and will remain in place until the
shade trees mature.
32
… About 2,000 fish werecaught and relocated outside
the construction area.…
33
■✔ The ministry communicates with the public about its activitiesand is responsive to community transportation needs.
Ministry staff work with municipal and regional governments,
associations and community groups to identify local highway
improvements. Consultation is emphasized at all phases of a project so
needs of the community are appropriately addressed. The ministry
holds public information meetings, attends fairs and exhibitions, and
participates in meetings of action committees, parent and school
advisory groups. These events by region included:
• Kootenay Region The public was involved in planning studies
with the Corridor Strategy Work, the Kootenay Lake Ferry Study
and the Boundary Transportation Plan. There were open houses,
meetings and interviews with stakeholders. The ministry
continued to report to the Kootenays Regional Advisory Group on
transportation issues and acted as an advisor to the Transportation
Task Force.
• Central/North East Region The ministry met with City of Prince
George representatives on a regular basis to plan and coordinate
work on provincial highways within municipal boundaries.
Corridor planning studies were initiated for Highway 16 and
Highway 27 within the municipalities of Vanderhoof and Fort St.
James. The ministry worked cooperatively with the City of
Williams Lake to complete a three-year program to design and
install street lighting on Highway 97 to enhance safety.
• Thompson-Okanagan Region The ministry worked in
partnership with the Central Okanagan Regional District
developing major street network plans for Ellison, Lakeview and
Westbank. The ministry was a partner with the City of Kamloops
in developing its “Travelsmart” integrated transportation plan.
Thompson -Okanagan Region Planning Services participated in
the development of land resource management plans for
Kamloops-Clearwater and Okanagan-Shuswap and undertook 20
major street network and highway plan reviews in support of local
government land use planning initiatives. A public forum was
held in Cache Creek in September 1995 to discuss the ministry’s
slope stabilization program, especially in the Fraser Canyon.
• North West Region Public meetings were held on upgrading the
Telegraph Creek Road. A 10-year plan was developed.
Stakeholders included the regional district, Tahltan band and
tribal council, Tahltan Nation Development Corp., Yellowhead
Road and Bridge Contractors and the provincial ministries of
Consultation is emphasized atall phases of a project so
needs of the community areappropriately addressed.
34
forests, environment and highways. Meetings were also held with
Tahltan Band members regarding the Telegraph Creek Bypass and
the purchase of property for upgrading Telegraph Creek Road. In
addition, an open house was held at Telkwa on possible routes for
a bypass around the community. The ministry participated in
trade fairs around the province, including Burns Lake, Houston,
Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers.
• Vancouver Island The ministry worked with Islands Trust in
developing a letter of understanding on subdivision matters and a
memorandum of understanding on road standard variances.
• South Coast The ministry held a number of information sessions
with the public, municipalities and municipal councils on the
Lions Gate Bridge replacement. These included mall displays and
the video Choice of Crossing shown on North Shore cable TV.
Information updates were held in November at six locations,
including the West End, West Vancouver, East Vancouver,
Vancouver, Kitsilano and North Vancouver, and in December at
the Musqueam Indian Reserve. In January a display was featured
at a transportation symposium hosted by the City of Vancouver.
Through the Aboriginal Relations Branch, the ministry worked with
First Nations groups, providing road research, policy development and
advice on tenure issues. During the year, the branch:
• Launched a research project on reserve tenure issues and
participated in successful tenure negotiations with the Kispiox,
Glen Vowell and Gitmangax, Stellaquo, Kitsumkalum and
Kamloops bands.
• Participated with the BC Transportation Financing Authority,
Vancouver Island Highway Project and the Ministry of Aboriginal
Affairs in developing an agreement with YMC, a development
company representing aboriginal communities and associations
from around Vancouver Island. The agreement focused on job and
economic opportunities for First Nations impacted by the major
highway improvement. This led to the production of a report
Employment and Contracting Opportunities – Vancouver Island
Highway Project.
• Produced and distributed policy guidelines to ministry staff on
how to avoid infringing on aboriginal rights when carrying out
ministry activities.
• Represented ministry interests in negotiations with the Nisga’a
and Sechelt First Nations, especially access and regulation of
traffic and transportation, and worked with the Carrier-Sekani,
Skeechestn and Sto:lo bands to establish roadside information
kiosks within their traditional territories.
… the ministry worked withFirst Nations groups,
providing road research,policy development andadvice on tenure issues.
• Formalized a protocol agreement with the federal government on
the process for transferring administration and control of rights of
way through Indian reserves from federal to provincial
jurisdiction.
Public consultation was an important component of major projects,
as well. Four open houses were held as part of the ongoing public
consultation process on sections of the Vancouver Island Highway
Project under design. They included:
• Bridge alignment alternatives in Campbell River
• Craig’s Crossing Interchange just south of Parksville
• Improvements to the section between Grouhel Road and just
north of Ladysmith
• Planning study for improvements between Kilmalu and Miller
roads south of Duncan and north of Mill Bay.
Local residents were kept well-informed about the project through
information offices located in Langford, Nanaimo, Courtenay and, from
June 1995, Campbell River. Collectively, the offices received more than
18,000 inquiries during the year, indicating wide interest in the project.
Community liaison committee meetings were also held regularly up
and down the Island to keep local residents informed and to address
their concerns. Media advisories and local advertising announced
construction work, detours and road closures. Local MLAs hosted drop-
in sessions. Presentations on safety were given at elementary schools in
all communities impacted by the construction. Public tours of the
project in August 1995 and March 1996 proved very popular.
The ministry continued to support Futures in Transportation
Technology (FITT), a program that teaches students the importance of
math and science in future career opportunities. Since 1992, more than
100 schools have participated in the program, which also provides
students work experience in transportation-related fields.
The ministry continued to support Project Heavy Duty, which
provides Grade 11 and 12 students in the Vanderhoof/Fort St. James
area training in the operation of heavy equipment in preparation for job
placements in local forest, agriculture and construction industries. Held
annually during spring breakup and involving a maximum of 30
students, the week-long program touches on equipment operation, safety
and first-aid. School District #56, local contractors and equipment
operators are all partners with the Nechako District Highways Office in
the training, which is carried out in one of the ministry’s gravel pits.
35
The ministry continued tosupport … a program that
teaches students theimportance of math andscience in future career
opportunities.
■✔ The ministry supports communities in the development of theirt r a n s p o rtation networks
The ministry seeks ways to streamline municipal support programs
to generate more value for money. During 1995/96, these included:
• Secondary Highway Program There were 103 secondary
highways within 62 municipalities eligible for the 1995/96
Secondary Highways Program. Under Part 3 of the Highway Act,
municipalities receive 50 per cent of the capital construction costs
and 40 per cent of maintenance costs for secondary highways, and
where the population is 1,000 or less, 75 per cent of both capital
and maintenance costs. During 1995/96, the ministry assisted 62
municipalities on maintenance projects with approved funds of
$903,577. A total of $2,466,984 was approved for capital projects
in 29 municipalities.
• New Incorporations and Municipal Restructures Municipalities
that take on responsibility for provincial roads through
incorporation or boundary restructuring are supported for eight
years under this program, which provides assistance in
maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and bridges. During
1995/96, the program approved $679,448 for capital projects in six
municipalities – District of Campbell River, District of Sicamous,
District of Hope, Town of Oliver, City of Vernon and City of
Kelowna. No payments were made for maintenance.
• Bridge Assistance No funding was made during 1995/96 under
this program, which is covered under Section 32.3 of the Highway
Act.
• Local Government Grants The advent of the federal/provincial
infrastructure program put this program on hold. No grants were
made during 1995/96.
• Infrastructure Works Program The ministry continued to be
involved in the Infrastructure Works Program Working Group and
management of this program, whose costs are shared equally by
federal, provincial and local governments. Under the program,
signed on April 1, 1994, some $675 million will be invested in
B.C. infrastructure over a five-year period ending March 31, 1999.
Some $72 million worth of roads projects have been approved; the
provincial share amounts to $24 million.
36
The ministry seeks ways tostreamline municipal supportprograms to generate more
value for money.
37
■✔ The ministry ensures motor vehicles meet re q u i red standard sand that applicants are fit and able to operate motor vehicless a f e l y.
The Motor Vehicle Branch develops and implements procedures for
licensing drivers and regulating the Motor Vehicle Act to ensure a high
standard of driving in B.C. It conducts inspections of vehicles and
organizations licensed by the branch to ensure compliance with
regulations. It also collects revenue from traffic violations.
In 1995/96, there were 3,272,200 driver’s licences in British Columbia,
of which 2,955,000 were registered drivers. There were 26,018
commercial carriers, and 79,051 vehicles came under the National
Safety Code.
During the year, the branch:
• Conducted 136,406 road tests
• Issued 113,820 driver’s licenses
• Renewed 461,812 driver’s licences;
• Processed 535,884 violation tickets, of which 24,413 were
disputed;
• Processed 128,220 accident reports.
The branch ensures compliance of motor vehicle regulations and
safety standards. Through a variety of programs, it conducts inspections
on vehicles, from school buses to commercial vehicles and private
vehicles. It authorizes designated inspection facilities and approves
preventative maintenance programs established by companies for their
own fleets. It checks commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with
vehicle size and weight regulations, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
standards and with the National Safety Code, where applicable. It also
works closely with police agencies on random roadside inspections.
The department monitors carrier profiles, accidents, and warning or
violation tickets. It issues permits, such as for red and amber flashing
lights, regulates load size, weight and load security of commercial
carriers, and is responsible for implementing and administering
programs in support of the Provincial Transport of Dangerous Goods
Act.
38
During the year, the Commercial Transport and Inspections
Department:
• Issued 408 new school bus permits;
• Licensed 225 more inspection facilities bringing the total to 1,513
province-wide, and added 44 more preventative maintenance
programs bringing that total to 604;
• Issued 80,000 oversize/overweight permits and 80,500 non-
resident commercial vehicle permits;
• Performed 167,677 inspections at designated facilities,
including 4,244 inspections on rebuilt vehicles;
• Ordered 10,917 vehicles to be inspected, resulting in
3,241 vehicles being removed from the highways;
• Inspected 13,520 vehicles at random roadside checks;
• Processed 3,842 applications for National Safety Code safety
certificates;
• Certified an additional 482 authorized inspectors to conduct
inspections at designated inspection facilities;
• Issued 221 permits for flashing amber lights and red lights and
sirens;
• Checked 1,248,106 of the 2,886,836 vehicles that passed through
provincial weigh scales;
• Issued 32,000 violation tickets by Commercial Transport
inspectors at static and portable weigh scales; and
• Issued 863 violation tickets for non-compliance with the
Transport of Dangerous Goods Act .
A total of 22,814 vehicles passed the Pre-registration and Licensing
Motor Vehicle Inspection Program, introduced on Sept. 1, 1995,
in conjunction with ICBC. The pass rate was roughly one-half of the
total tested.
During the year, the branch evaluated and upgraded written
knowledge tests for applicants for licences to operate ambulances, taxis,
small buses or motorcycles. It amended the Safe Driving Guide, Safe
Riding Guide, and Professional Driving Guide to incorporate changes in
legislation, policy and testing standards. The branch also revised the
Driver Licensing Manual to included new procedures for issuing digital
driver licences and identification cards.
A new schedule of fines came into effect on Dec. 1, 1995, encouraging
greater compliance with driver training regulations, which had been
revised in October 1994. Working with the industry, the branch
produced a recommended curriculum for training new drivers. It also
A new schedule of fines cameinto effect on Dec. 1, 1995,
encouraging greatercompliance with drivertraining regulations …
obtained recommendations for a curriculum outline for training driving
instructors. In the Lower Mainland, a staff person was assigned as a
driver training inspector and more than 200 driver training schools were
inspected.
Working with the Insurance Corporation of B.C., the branch
introduced a new safety inspection program on Sept. 1, 1995, to reduce
vehicle thefts and fraud and ensure roadworthiness. Most used vehicles
imported into British Columbia have their vehicle identification
numbers verified and are now required to pass a mechanical safety
inspection prior to being registered or licensed. Rebuilt, altered or
constructed vehicles must also pass a structural integrity assessment
prior to being registered or licensed.
The branch strengthened its relations with BC police agencies over
the past year. In November 1995 a police officer from Abbotsford Police
Department took over as manager of the Investigation Unit on an
18-month secondment designed to improve co-operative efforts in
combating licensing fraud. Driver impersonation continued to be a
major, growing concern, with some 800 claims involving about 2,400
tickets received during the year. The unit conducted administrative
investigations to determine if tickets should be cancelled, while police
conducted criminal investigations to determine if charges should be
laid. A file tracking system was implemented that greatly enhanced
managing and processing of files. Customer service and other MVB units
had access to the system so clients could be kept better informed of the
progress of their claims. During the year the unit also worked closely
with the Traffic Safety Initiative project teams, recommending ways to
reduce opportunities for fraud.
International Registration Plan In January 1996, British Columbia
became the third Canadian province after Alberta and Saskatchewan to
join the International Registration Plan, to which the 48 contiguous
states in the U.S. are already party. The plan is a commercial licensing
agreement that allows commercial carriers to prorate their licence fees
and taxes based on the miles they travel in various jurisdictions across
the United States and Canada. The benefits for B.C. include increased
competitive capacity of the province’s interjurisdictional trucking
industry.
39
Most used vehicles importedinto British Columbia … are
now required to pass amechanical safety inspectionprior to being registered or
licensed.
■✔ A primary objective of the branch is to reduce the fre q u e n c yand severity of traffic crashes.
Each year traffic crashes in British Columbia kill hundreds of people
and injure thousands more. Combined health, insurance and other
societal costs exceed $2 billion. Road safety is thus a top priority of the
ministry. The branch has worked closely with ICBC, other agencies and
stakeholders to identify emerging traffic safety concerns and to develop
public awareness programs that address those concerns. Through
education, engineering and enforcement, the ministry is striving to make
the provincial road system the safest in North America.
The ministry tabled legislation for the Traffic Safety Initiative , which
incorporates a number of projects, programs and polices aimed at
improving traffic safety in the province. These include photo radar, new
driver improvement, vehicle impoundment, administrative driving
prohibition, digitized drivers’ licences, new computer systems, and a
variety of measures to improve the collection of outstanding traffic
fines. The initiative, in its first full year, is projected to save 100 lives
and to reduce insurance, health and societal costs arising from traffic
crashes by $350 million.
During 1995/96:
• A five-year contract was signed with IBM Canada Ltd. to replace
the branch’s aging photo-ID licensing system with a digital system
that captures and stores both picture and signature. Digital
cameras were to be installed at more than 120 driver licensing
outlets around the province. The system provides greater
protection against tampering and forgery and shortens licence-
processing time for clients.
• New measures to improve collections of fines were introduced.
They included sending a warning letter, deducting funds from
bank accounts, and making demands for third-party payments.
In September 1995 the branch began to place overdue accounts
with a private collection agency. Legislation was introduced to
add interest to outstanding traffic fines, but the project was
subsequently cancelled.
40
Through education,engineering and enforcement,
the ministry is striving tomake the provincial roadsystem the safest in North
America.
• By November 1995, police had established province-wide
standards for photo radar cameras. The targets would be unsafe
speeders. Cameras would be used in places with a history of
crashes or where there was a documented record of speeding that
was a concern to the community.
• The provincial government formed a partnership with a
consortium headed by American Traffic Systems of Canada Ltd.
(ATS Canada) to provide 30 mobile camera units and develop
computer systems for photo radar. The capital portion of the
contract was worth $11.1 million.
• Photo radar trials began and warning letters were sent to drivers
caught speeding. No tickets were issued at this stage.
• A plan to evaluate the various programs of the initiative was
reviewed by an evaluation task group and approved by the
program Partners Forum. Key indicators were identified and a
data warehouse set up to maintain and monitor data crucial for
measuring trends and assessing how well the programs were
working in achieving traffic safety goals.
Recoveries resulting from the traffic safety initiatives reached
$4 million as of March 31, 1996. They included $2.5 million recovered
by collections agencies under contract with the ministry and
$1.5 million recovered through stepped-up in-house enforcement
measures, such as third-party demands, which accounted for $750,000
in recoveries, and liens on real property, which resulted in recoveries of
$100,000. Demands were generally issued on balances in excess of $300.
More than 34,000 clients with outstanding fines totalling $17.6 million
were referred to a collection agency. A new payment plan was initiated
in August 1995 to help clients pay off their overdue fines. A total
of 3,400 plans involving fines of $2.6 million had been set up by
March 31, 1996. The rate of recovery rose to 65 per cent from 20 per
cent under the old payment schedules. The collections unit also
recovered more than $55,000 by re-presenting NSF cheques to clients’
banks. By January 1996, overdue fines were being paid off at a rate
higher than new fines were being added. Accounts receivable continued
to decline in February and March.
Drinking Driving CounterAttack Since 1977, this umbrella program
has co-ordinated the province’s impaired driving responses, including
police enforcement, policy development, and public
awareness/education campaigns.
41
A new payment plan wasinitiated in August 1995 to
help clients pay off theiroverdue fines.
During 1995/96, the program:
• Conducted two high-profile enforcement campaigns – a Spring
CounterAttack that ran between May 25 and June 5 and the
regular Christmas CounterAttack conducted between Dec. 8 and
Jan. 3, each supported by media campaigns, promotional materials
and police-initiated community events;
• Created, produced and distributed messages for television and
radio, aired as a public service under an agreement between the
province and the B.C. Association of Broadcasters;
• Won numerous awards, including four Public Awareness and
Consumer Education awards of the American Association of
Motor Vehicle Administrators, a Lotus award for excellence in
advertising in B.C., two Canadian Marketing awards and an
International Mobius award;
• Co-ordinated with ICBC an enhanced CounterAttack roadcheck
program in the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria areas
between June and December;
• Continued a program to upgrade the fleet of CounterAttack vans
used by police around the province.
The branch continued to develop Safe Cycling Program to help young
cyclists improve their cycling skills and knowledge, promote proper use
of safety equipment and foster road-sharing attitudes among all road
users. The “Bike Smarts” education program, developed with the
Cycling Education Committee, was launched as a pilot project, with
province-wide implementation planned in 1996.
Regional staff were involved in a variety of events and presentations
promoting traffic safety. They visited schools and worked with
community organizations and cultural groups. They also participated in
trade shows and mall events to inform and educate the public on driver
licensing and driver improvement, bicycle safety, pedestrian safety for
children and commercial vehicle safety.
42
■✔ The branch works with the Ministry of Environment and theG reater Vancouver Regional District to ensure an eff e c t i v eemissions inspection program – AirCare Pro g r a m
During 1995/96, a total of 1,102,760 inspections were carried out at
the AirCare Program’s 12 locations in the Lower Mainland. The failure
rate was 12 per cent. Since the program started in September 1992 – the
first of its kind in Canada – more than three million vehicles have gone
through the test. It has helped reduce air pollution in the Lower Fraser
Valley, and through encouraging more efficiently running vehicles has
produced fuel consumption savings for motorists as well An indepen-
dent evaluation in 1995 by the Radian Corporation, a recognized
international authority in auditing inspection/maintenance programs,
stated that AirCare is one of the most effective programs in North
America for ensuring vehicles meet emissions standards.
A unique feature of the AirCare program is certification of the repair
industry. Certified centres provided the most effective repairs of any
emissions inspection and maintenance program in North America, with
the average repair bill coming in under $200. Regular audits of the
centres and technicians were conducted during the year, ensuring a high
level of consumer protection for Lower Fraser Valley motorists.
Started in early 1996, the BC SCRAP-IT Program offers vehicle
owners a financial incentive to take older, polluting vehicles off the
road. It is a co-operative effort of the ministry, the BC Automobile
Dealers Association and the ministry of environment, lands and parks.
43
… a recognized internationalauthority in auditing
inspection/maintenanceprograms stated that AirCareis one of the most effectiveprograms in North Americafor ensuring vehicles meet
emissions standards.
44
Restructuring The ministry is committed to major
organizational changes to reduce spending, improve
efficiency and make operations more cost-effective so
the province can preserve funding for health care and
education. The changes involve streamlining
highways operations and merging the Motor Vehicle
Branch and the Insurance Corporation of B.C. Under
the restructuring plan announced on March 4, 1996,
headquarters will be downsized by 22 per cent of staff
positions. Headquarters engineering branches will be
reduced from eight to two – Highway Engineering
Branch and Construction and Maintenance Branch. In
addition, a seven-per-cent reduction in regional and district
maintenance infrastructure will be implemented during the year
following discussions with major stakeholders and a rationalization of
services. The aim is to reduce Administration and Support Services by
11 per cent and Highway Planning and Major Projects by 19 per cent.
The ministry will become a more effective manager of the highway
system than direct provider of services. The headquarters focus will rest
in policy making, setting standards and providing expertise, while
program delivery will reside with the regions, districts and Major
Projects staff.
The merger of the MVB and ICBC will be accomplished in two phases,
the first involving the transfer of driver licensing and related functions,
traffic safety programs, operational policy, fines, revenue and
administration, information technology, and AirCare. The second phase
will involve the transfer of adjudication and enforcement programs.
The ministry will retain policy decisions and will set up an appeal
mechanism to review driver and vehicle licensing decisions by ICBC.
Traffic Safety Initiative Announced by the minister in March 1995,
the TSI is the umbrella name for a group of projects, programs and
policies aimed at improving traffic safety in the province. New measures
will target drivers who are responsible for a high proportion of crashes.
These include photo radar to crack down on speeders, administrative
driving prohibition to remove drinking drivers from the road, vehicle
impoundment to deal with persons who drive while prohibited or
unlicensed, and a new driver improvement program to help new drivers
become better, safer drivers. Highway safety remains a top priority of the
ministry.
45
New Traffic Safety Initiativeswill target drivers who are
responsible for a highproportion of crashes.
Highways
Traffic Management Group In the year ahead, the group will focus on
traffic management improvements on Highway 99 and at the Pacific
Highway/Peace Arch border crossings. The group, which is involved in
strategies to improve traffic flow in the Lower Mainland, also intends to
initiate short-term improvements, including software development,
installation and testing of equipment. The measures complement the
long-term transportation demand and land-use management objectives
endorsed by Transport 2021.
Maintenance Contracts The ministry is preparing for the renewal of
maintenance contracts during 1996/97. All 28 contract areas are affected.
Capital Programs The board of the BC Transportation Financing Au-
thority approves the annual highways capital plan and sets the strategic
direction for each project according to the BC 21 objectives, which stress
economic development, job training and skills development, and
expanded opportunities for traditionally under-represented groups.
Lions Gate Crossing The ministry remains committed to technical,
environmental and public inputs before deciding on a new crossing.
Aboriginal Land Access The ministry will continue to work with First
Nations and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to resolve road-tenure dis-
putes within existing reserve lands, and other issues of common concern.
Municipal Grants and Subdivision Approval The ministry remains
committed to a consultative review of all municipal grants, and to the
transfer of the rural subdivision process to regional districts on a
voluntary basis.
46
… the delivery of CapitalPrograms will stress economicdevelopment, job training and
skills development, andexpanded opportunities for
traditionally under-represented groups.
The financial statements contained in this supplement to the Annual Report have been prepared by management in accordance with the accounting policiesadopted by the Province of British Columbia. Management is responsible for the accuracy, integrity and objectivity of the information contained in thesestatements. Management maintains an extensive system of internal accounting controls to ensure that transactions are completely and accurately recordedon a timely basis, are properly approved and result in reliable financial statements.The expenditures included here are incorporated in the combined financial statements of the Province, which are examined by the Auditor General. TheAuditor General expresses an opinion as to whether or not the combined financial statements present fairly the financial position, operating results andchanges in financial position of the Government of the Province of British Columbia in conformity with the stated accounting policies. This opinion is containedin the Auditor’s Report which is included in the Public Accounts presented to the Legislative Assembly.
100
200
300
400
1994-951991-92 1992-93 1993-94
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1,000
1,100
1,200
1994-951991-92 1992-93 1993-94
$ 9 7 4 , 6 0 1 , 0 1 0
$ 8 4 4 , 0 9 7 , 1 5 7
RevenueFive-year Comparison
ExpenditureFive-year Comparison
NOTES:• During fiscal 1992-93, the Motor Vehicle
Branch and Motor Carrier Commissionwere transferred from the Ministry ofAttorney General.
• ‘TFA’ - denotes ‘TransportationFinancing Authority’.
• ‘FAA S22’ - denotes ‘FinancialAdministration Act - Section 22’; fundingprovided by third parties
• S.H.I.P. denotes the Strategic HighwaysImprovement Program funded by thefederal government.
B.C. Ferry Corporation Other Expenditures
MVB/MCC Transfer TFA/S22/SHIP Expenditures
Highways Revenue Motor Vehicles Revenue
$ 8 5 7 , 2 8 4 , 8 2 2
$ 9 7 9 , 2 1 3 , 9 7 0
1995-96
$ 1 , 0 7 6 , 9 1 4 , 0 4 6
$ 6 0 , 7 2 6 , 8 6 1 $ 6 1 , 9 2 4 , 5 7 1
$ 3 9 4 , 4 5 7 , 7 0 0
NOTES:As a result of a governmentreorganization in the fall of 1993, theMotor Vehicle Branch was transferredto the Ministry. For clarity andconsistency, Motor Vehicle revenue isdisplayed separately from Highwaysrevenue.
Revenues shown reflect Ministry of
Transportation and Highways receipts
only. Information in the Public Ac-
counts will contain revenue from all
ministries, particularly in the case of
“Miscellaneous” receipts.
$ 4 1 6 , 7 6 8 , 1 8 9
1995-96
$ 4 3 2 , 1 2 3 , 3 0 2
47
48
How The Transportation And Highways Dollar Was Spent
April 1,1995 to March 31, 1996
Voted Other Funding Total %Expenditures Sources 1 Expenditures of Total
1. Highway Maintenance- Roads and Bridges Maintenance Expenditures 362,773,834 29,682 362,803,516 33.69- Ferries Maintenance Expenditures 15,948,735 15,948,735 1.48
Total Highway Maintenance 378,722,569 29,682 378,752,251 35.17
2. Highway Rehabilitation- Road Rehabilitation Expenditures 78,652,817 2,581,995 81,234,812 7.54- Bridges and Ferries Rehabilitation Expenditures 29,884,078 235,717 30,119,795 2.80Total Highway Rehabilitation 108,536,895 2,817,712 111,354,607 10.34
3. Highway Capital Construction- Non-Recoverable Minor Highway Capital Construction 1,400,856 1,400,856 0.13- Recoverable Minor Highway Capital Construction 135,278,562 135,278,562 12.56- Recoverable Major Highway Capital Construction:
Fraser River Crossing and Connectors 11,652,037 11,652,037 1.08Lions Gate Crossing 752,665 752,665 0.07Vancouver Island Highway 208,460,251 208,460,251 19.36Duke Point Access Road 12,534,654 12,534,654 1.16Sea-to-Sky Highway 3,300 3,300 0.00Trans-Canada Highway - Lower Mainland Section 3,020,926 3,020,926 0.28Highway #97 - Okanagan 3,110,751 3,110,751 0.29Barnet/Hastings Corridor 27,940,528 27,940,528 2.59
Total Highway Capital Construction 1,400,856 402,753,674 404,154,529 37.53
4. Highway Operations 45,923,546 210,905 46,134,450 4.28
5. Administration & Support Services 35,173,187 35,173,187 3.27(including Minister’s Office)
6. Planning, Policy and Major Projects 9,405,725 25,000 9,430,725 0.88
7. Motor Vehicles 65,450,891 14,336,554 79,787,445 7.41
8. Motor Carrier Commission 775,218 775,218 0.07
9. Statutory Accounts- F.A.A. Section 11 Collection Management 8,955,544 8,955,544 0.83- F.A.A. Section 14 Write-Offs Bad Debts 3,551,666 3,551,666 0.33- Physical Assets (2,272,536) (2,272,536) -0.21- Depreciation Expense 1,116,958 1,116,958 0.10
Total Statutory Accounts 11,351,632 11,351,632 1.05
Total Ministry 656,740,520 420,173,526 1,076,914,046 100.00
1. Other funding sources include the Transportation Finance Authority (TFA), the Strategic Highway Improvement Program (SHIP),Municipal Urban Renewal Program (MURP) contributions from municipalities and F.A.A. Section 22 contributions from Third Parties.
49
How The Transportation And Highways Dollar Was Spent
April 1,1995 to March 31, 1996
Highway Maintenance$378,752,251 (35%)
Highway Rehabilitation$111,354,607 (10%)
Highway Capital Construction$404,154,529 (38%)
Planning, Policy and Major Projects
$9,430,725 (1%)
Administration and Support(includes Minister’s office)
$35,173,187 (3%)
Highway Operations$46,134,450 (4%)
Motor Vehicles Branch$79,787,445 (7%)
Motor Carrier Commission$775,218 (0.07%)
Statutory Accounts$11,351,632 (1%)
50
Expenditures by Appropriation
April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996Budget Other Total Actual
Vote Description Estimates Reallocations Authorizations Appropriations Expenditures
58 Minister’s Office 432,000 432,000 431,18159 Ministry Operations 673,011,000 673,011,000 644,957,707
Statutory:- Collection Management 8,955,544 8,955,544 8,955,544- Write-offs/Bad Debts 3,551,348 3,551,348 3,551,348- Valuation Allowance a 2,400,000 2,400,000 318
Physical Assets (2,272,536) (2,272,536) (2,272,536)Depreciation Expense 1,116,958 1,116,958 1,116,958
Total Voted Appropriations 675,843,000 0 11,351,314 687,194,314 656,740,520Funding Provided by the TFA. b 393,147,006Funding Provided by the Federal Gov’t (SHIP) c 6,705,370Funding Provided by Municipalities d 1,782,858Other Third Party Funding (F.A.A. Section 22) e 18,538,292
Total Highways Expenditures 1,076,914,046
Notes: a Valuation Allowance as determined by OCG.b ‘TFA’ denotes ‘Transportation Financing Authority’.c ‘SHIP’ denotes ‘Strategic Highways Improvement
Program’.d Municipal Recoveries for Urban Renewal.e ‘F.A.A. Section 22’ denotes Section 22 of the Financial
Administration Act which allows for contributionpayments from third party sources.
F.A.A. Section 22 Expenditures were as follows:Highway 97 Lighting Installation 133,886 Highway 19/Turner Road, Nanaimo 25,000 Trans Canada Highway/Herd Road, Duncan 2,833 Mount Currie Paving Project 713,000 Ryan and Lerwick Road, Courtenay 37,396 Highway 19 at Stanhope Road, Parksville 17,447 Site Investigation for Regional Office, Kamloops 9,626 Highway 101/Cowrie and Wharf Intersection 19,219 Gold River Upper Bridge Sidewalk 90,000 Yellowhead Bridge Landscaping 27,268 Traffic Safety Agenda 14,329,554 Gibsons Bypass & Langdale Ferry Expansion 953,733 Highway 97 and 4th Avenue Paving 5,641 Highway 3 Traffic Signal Installation 18,884 Traffic Controller Alpine Way at Highway 99 14,072 Highway 95 Pedestrian Crossing at Park Drive 27,570 Installation of Left Turn Arrow at Beacon Drive, Sidney 3,375
Mission Bypass Planning Study 54,000 Cedar Creek Bridge 15,000 Canada Way Corridor 329,500 Admirals & Hallowell Signal 16,422 Wildlife Warning Signs Driver Questionnaire 8,676 Intersection Upgrades (Lower Mainland) 196,931 1995 Road Sense Program Road Improvements 463,750 Road Reporting 1-900 Number 67,904 Highway 19 at Aulds Road 2,920 Route 1 Beverly Street, North Cowichan 5,000 Commercial Vehicle Roadside Survey 7,000 Highway #97 & Burtch Road,
Electrical Work, Kelowna 34,490 Agassiz Bypass Study 10,200 Heavy Vehicle Electronic License Plate Project 38,433 Millstream Peat Excavation VIHP (2304) 138,282 Highway 19 at Drew/Johnston Roads 4,014 Highway 19 at Franklin Gulls Road 1,352 Shuswap Lake Crossing Study 25,000 Town of Quallicum Beach, VIHP 340,000 North Road, Gabriola Island 6,329 Helmcken Road Upgrade, VIHP 289,953 Sechelt Bypass Study 22,064 Sign Shop Recovery 8,527 Nordel and Cloverdale Yardsites 24,041
Total 18,538,292
51
Actual$
Social Services Tax 545,791
Motor Vehicle Licences and PermitsMotor Vehicle Act Licences and Permits 188,571,568Commercial Transport Act - Licences and Permits 121,320,033Motor Vehicle (All Terrain) Act - Permits 38,583Motor Carrier Act - Licences and Permits 7,808,811Interest on MVB Accounts Receivable 80,693
Total Motor Vehicle Licences and Permits 317,819,688Coquihalla Highways Tolls
Coquihalla Highway Tolls - Canadian Currency 37,173,782Coquihalla Highway Tolls - U.S. Currency 396,348
Total Coquihalla Highways Tolls 37,570,130
Other Fees and LicencesMiscellaneous:
Miscellaneous Sales 1,027,803Fees, Permits, and Licences 484,229Contract Document Sales 143,210Rentals - Sundry Licences & Permits 3,614
Total Miscellaneous 1,658,856Vehicle Emission Test Fees 572,085
Total Other Fees and Licences 2,230,940
Interest From Investments - Foreign Exchange 319,316
MiscellaneousViolation Fines/Penalties 66,364,481Insurance Claim Receipts 262,720Other Miscellaneous:
Misc. Revenue - A/A Commission Recoveries 2,213,908Dishonoured Cheque Service Fee 64,213Miscellaneous Receipts - Highways 1,265,656Miscellaneous Receipts - M.C.C. 15,950Street Lighting 865,575Salary Recoveries 1,639Recovery of Prior Years’ Expenditures 2,583,295
Total Other Miscellaneous 7,010,235Total Miscellaneous 73,637,436
Total Revenue: 432,123,302
Revenues By Source
April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996
NOTE:
Revenues shown reflect
Ministry of Transportation
and Highways receipts
only. Information in the
Public Accounts will
contain revenue from all
ministries, particularly in
the case of “Miscellaneous”
receipts.
52
Region 1 - South CoastSouth Coast Regional Office 38,630,435 56,051,430 1,844,942 817,464 97,344,271 Howe Sound District 13,872,089 33,291 13,905,380 Sunshine Coast Contract Area 3,531,174 3,531,174 Lower Mainland District 20,606,798 966,841 526,431 22,100,071 Fraser Valley District 16,974,799 16,974,799 Electrical District 4,863,216 4,863,216 Director, Barnet/Hastings Corridor 27,940,528 27,940,528
Total Region 1 - South Coast 98,478,513 84,958,799 2,404,664 817,464 0 186,659,439
Region 2 - Thompson-OkanaganThompson-Okanagan Regional Office 19,233,305 8,729,463 58,285 2,825,343 275,255 31,121,651 South Okanagan District 19,500,885 19,500,885 Okanagan-Shuswap District 16,630,509 16,630,509 Nicola District 16,344,800 16,344,800 Thompson District 13,204,021 13,204,021 South Cariboo District 15,841,231 15,841,231
Total Region 2 - Thompson-Okanagan 100,754,751 8,729,463 58,285 2,825,343 275,255 112,643,097
Region 3 - KootenaysKootenays Regional Office 13,381,010 6,284,993 1,798,076 21,464,079 Kootenay Boundary District 13,670,820 18,884 13,689,704 Central Kootenay District 19,349,130 349,789 15,000 19,713,919 East Kootenay District 15,537,799 3,638,988 19,176,786 Selkirk District 13,099,828 27,570 13,127,398
Total Region 3 - Kootenays 75,038,587 10,273,770 61,454 1,798,076 0 87,171,887
Region 4 - Central/North EastCentral/North East Regional Office 20,033,199 16,698,797 98,866 36,830,863 Central Cariboo District 14,036,509 133,886 14,170,396 North Cariboo District 13,620,345 13,620,345 Fort George District 15,898,791 27,268 15,926,058 Robson District 8,308,564 8,308,564 South Peace District 16,406,396 16,406,396 North Peace District 16,028,648 16,028,648 Nechako District 9,262,701 9,262,701
Total Region 4 - Central/North East 113,595,154 16,698,797 161,154 98,866 0 130,553,971
Expenditures by Responsibility Centre
April 1,1995 to March 31, 1996
Total Voted TFA a FAA S22 b S.H.I.P. c Municipal d
Responsibility Centre (Region/District/Branch) Expenditures Funded Funded Funded Urban Renewal Total
Continued opposite
53
Region 5 - North WestNorth West Regional Office 11,082,012 10,542,625 21,624,637 Lakes District 8,003,301 8,003,301 Bulkley Nass District 13,382,687 13,382,687 Skeena District 7,901,528 7,901,528 North Coast Contract Area 3,398,349 3,398,349 Stikine District 11,981,662 11,981,662
Total Region 5 - North West 55,749,539 10,542,625 0 0 0 66,292,163
Region 6 - Vancouver IslandVancouver Island Regional Office 12,340,280 18,876,560 157,396 313,040 31,687,275 South Island District 13,496,653 22,630 13,519,282 Central Island District 12,313,655 32,062 12,345,717 North Island District 15,007,527 231,704 15,239,231
Total Region 6 - Vancouver Island 53,158,114 19,108,264 212,087 313,040 0 72,791,505
Total Regions/Districts 496,774,656 150,311,718 2,897,644 5,852,789 275,255 656,112,062
Minister’s Office 431,181 0 0 0 0 431,181
ExecutiveDeputy Minister 750,078 750,078 Internal Audit 597,769 597,769 Director, Public Affairs 1,112,295 1,112,295 Strategic Planning Initiative 234,709 234,709
Total Executive 2,694,850 0 0 0 0 2,694,850
Administrative Services DepartmentADM, Administrative Services 361,115 361,115 Director, Finance and Administration 13,714,542 17,100,000 e 30,814,542
Employee Leave Liability 1,175,523 1,175,523 Director, Freedom of Information and Privacy 729,900 729,900 Director, Information Systems 15,752,139 15,752,139 Director, Personnel Programs 3,685,002 3,685,002
Total Administrative Services Department 35,418,222 17,100,000 0 0 0 52,518,222
Continued on next page
Expenditures by Responsibility Centre (continued)
Total Voted TFA a FAA S22 b S.H.I.P. c Municipal d
Responsibility Centre (Region/District/Branch) Expenditures Funded Funded Funded Urban Renewal Total
54
Planning And Major Projects DepartmentADM, Planning and Major Projects 315,163 315,163 Senior Policy Advisor 384,549 384,549 Director, Planning Services 2,953,420 2,953,420 Director, Highway Planning 2,059,869 1,074,351 25,000 7,943 3,167,164
- Municipal Contributions 694,517 694,517 Manager, Fin & Admin, Planning/Major Projects 220,170 220,170 Director, Highway #97 - Okanagan 224,616 2,266,113 844,638 3,335,367 Director, Cassiar Connector 61,796 61,796 Director, Vancouver Island Highway 208,473,499 768,235 209,241,734 Director, Fraser River Crossing & Connectors 371,412 11,652,037 12,023,449 Director, Sea to Sky Highway 14,112 3,300 17,412 Director, TCH - Lower Mainland Section 3,020,926 3,020,926 Director, Second Narrows Bridge 869 869 Director, Lions Gate Bridge 752,665 752,665
Total Planning And Major Projects Dept. 7,300,494 227,242,891 793,235 852,581 0 236,189,201
Highway Operations DepartmentADM, Highways Operations 518,714 518,714 TFA Recovery - Program Support (17,100,000) (17,100,000)Recoveries for Urban Renewal (1,507,603) 1,507,603 0 Chief Highway Engineer 571,888 571,888 Director, Aboriginal Relations 1,627,241 1,627,241 Director, Bridge Engineering 2,682,138 2,682,138 Director, Construction Engineering 2,227,402 2,227,402 Director, Geotech. & Materials Engineering 1,945,436 1,945,436 Director, Highway Engineering 10,493,765 38,433 10,532,198 Director, Highway Environment 1,985,713 8,676 1,994,389 Director, Highway Safety 757,632 463,750 1,221,382 Director, Properties 724,867 724,867 Director, Maintenance 14,275,291 14,275,291 Director, Marine 15,958,048 15,958,048
Total Highway Operations Department 36,668,135 (1,507,603) 510,859 0 1,507,603 37,178,995
Total Headquarters 82,512,882 242,835,288 1,304,094 852,581 1,507,603 329,012,448
Expenditures by Responsibility Centre (continued)
Continued opposite
Total Voted TFA a FAA S22 b S.H.I.P. c Municipal d
Responsibility Centre (Region/District/Branch) Expenditures Funded Funded Funded Urban Renewal Total
55
Expenditures by Responsibility Centre (continued)
Motor Carrier Commission- Motor Carrier Commission 564,390 564,390 - Reconsideration Process 208,944 208,944
Total Motor Carrier Commission 773,335 0 0 0 0 773,335
Motor Vehicle Branch- ADM, Motor Vehicle Branch 288,613 288,613 - Management Services 11,495,818 11,495,818 - Planning and Corporate Development 1,048,744 1,048,744 - Information Technology 9,458,277 9,458,277 - Policy and Program Development 3,215,657 3,215,657 - Head Office Operations 7,747,602 7,747,602 - Traffic Safety Initiative 8,157,580 14,329,554 22,487,134 - Region #1 - Vancouver Island 2,987,321 7,000 2,994,321 - Region #2 - Lwr Mainland/Fraser Vly 11,342,162 11,342,162 - Region #3 - Interior 5,085,570 5,085,570 - Region #4 - Northern 4,500,675 4,500,675
Total Motor Vehicle Branch 65,328,016 0 14,336,554 0 0 79,664,570
Statutory Accounts- F.A.A. Section 14 - Write-off Bad Debts 3,551,666 3,551,666 - F.A.A. Section 11 Commission Fees 8,955,544 8,955,544 - Capital Asset Transer to Asset (1,957,536) (1,957,536)- Capital Asset Transfer to Asset-MVB (315,000) (315,000)- Amortization Expense 1,009,833 1,009,833
- MVB Amortization Expense 107,125 107,125
Total Statutory Accounts 11,351,632 0 0 0 0 11,351,632
Total Ministry Expenditures 656,740,520 393,147,006 18,538,292 6,705,370 1,782,858 1,076,914,046
Notes: a TFA - denotes Transportation Financing Authority.b F.A.A. S22 - denotes contributions from Third Parties.c S.H.I.P. - denotes the Strategic Highway Improvement Program funded by the Federal Government.d Municipal Urban Renewal denotes contributions from municipalities for urban renewal.e $17,100,000 represents the overhead costs in support of TFA projects during 1995/96. The full amount was deemed
recoverable from the TFA.
Total Voted TFA a FAA S22 b S.H.I.P. c Municipal d
Responsibility Centre (Region/District/Branch) Expenditures Funded Funded Funded Urban Renewal Total
56
Expenditures on Major Projects
April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996
Previous 1995/96 1995/96 1995/96 TotalFiscal Years’ Voted a Funding Third Party Project
Project Description Expenditures Expenditures from TFA b Contributions Expenditures
Fraser River Crossing & Connectors 479.814 0.371 11.652 491.837Vancouver Island Highway 410.736 207.692 0.768 c 619.196Duke Point Access Road 12.535 12.535Cassiar Connector 120.823 0.062 120.885Sea-to-Sky Highway 10.882 0.014 0.003 10.899Trans-Canada Hwy - Lwr Mainland 13.720 3.021 16.741Highway #97 - Okanagan 79.270 0.225 2.266 0.845 d 82.606Barnet/Hastings Corridor 62.311 27.941 90.252Lions Gate Crossing 1.672 0.753 2.425
Total 1,179.228 0.672 265.863 1.613 1,447.376
NOTES: a Represents project costs which are non-recoverable from the Transportation Financing Authority, suchas land acquisitions, and construction claims prior to funding from the TFA.
b Funding was provided by the Transportation Financing Authority.c The Financial Administration Act - Section 22 allows for contribution payment from Third Party
Sources. In fiscal 1995/96 $340,000 was received from the Town of Qualicum Beach, and $428,235was received from the Greater Victoria Water District.
d $844,638 was provided for by the Federal Government Strategic Highway Improvement Program.
Expenditures on Fresh Water Ferries
Maintenance and Operations, April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996
Adams Lake Ferry 265,603 Albion - Fort Langley Ferry 3,457,548 Arrow Park Ferry 63,567 Barnston Island Ferry 537,220 Big Bar Ferry 134,503 Francois Lake Ferry 2,153,454 Glade Ferry 53,121 Harrop Ferry 87,545 Kootenay Lake Ferry 3,701,486
Lytton Ferry 314,154 Little Fort Ferry 104,024 Marguerite Ferry 112,264 McLure Ferry 79,057 Needles - Fauquier Ferry 129,894 Upper Arrow Lakes Ferry 3,661,672 Usk Ferry 199,363
Total Ferry Maintenance And Operations 15,054,475
Name of Ferry Total Expenditures Name of Ferry Total Expenditures
57
Expenditures on Highway Maintenance
April 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996
Additional &Payments To Emergency
Contract Road & Bridge Payments To DistrictArea Contractors Contractors Operations Total
1. South Island 10,488,036 73,784 1,564,902 12,126,722 2. Nanaimo 9,208,287 1,803,993 11,012,280 3. Courtenay 12,286,427 116,697 1,666,451 14,069,575 4. North Vancouver 10,004,370 586,602 1,881,821 12,472,792 5. Gibsons 3,386,820 3,386,820 6. New Westminster 15,426,500 2,083,203 17,509,703 7. Chilliwack 13,932,386 65,972 1,637,624 15,635,982 8. Penticton-Kelowna 14,731,967 2,198,232 16,930,199 9. Grand Forks-Rossland 11,017,615 1,594,681 12,612,296 10. Nelson-Creston-New Denver 15,623,000 2,272,280 17,895,280 11. Cranbrook-Fernie 10,730,558 1,333,272 12,063,830 12. Revelstoke-Golden 9,901,572 2,030,405 11,931,978 13. Vernon-Salmon Arm 13,300,806 1,967,699 15,268,505 14. Merritt 12,976,187 1,841,701 14,817,888 15. Kamloops 9,811,015 57,551 1,565,308 11,433,875 16. 100 Mile House-Lillooet 12,019,716 1,785,771 13,805,487 17. Williams Lake 10,734,016 1,214,633 11,948,649 18. Quesnel 10,537,500 1,291,746 11,829,246 19. Prince George 13,650,000 1,570,742 15,220,742 20. McBride 6,309,025 937,731 7,246,756 21. Dawson Creek 13,191,043 1,713,415 14,904,458 22. Fort St. John 11,902,677 1,459,464 13,362,141 23. Vanderhoof 7,365,573 1,021,161 8,386,734 24. Burns Lake 6,098,666 876,713 6,975,378 25. Smithers 11,079,022 1,401,770 12,480,791 26. Terrace 6,042,000 1,382,532 7,424,532 27. Prince Rupert 3,306,417 7,802 3,314,218 28. Dease Lake 9,353,475 1,362,971 10,716,447
Sub-Total District Contract Areas 294,414,676 900,606 41,468,021 336,783,303 Headquarters Road And Bridge Maintenance Activities 12,579,262 Headquarters Ferry Maintenance And Operations ** 15,005,369 Electrical Maintenance Activities 4,003,626 Regional Maintenance Activities 10,351,009
Ministry 1995/96 Hwy Maintenance Expenditures 378,722,569 Third Party Contributions - F.A.A. Section 22 Expenditures 29,682
Total 1995/96 Hwy Maintenance Expenditures 378,752,251
Notes: * District Operations is comprised of District Office Expenditures and grants to ski hills.** With the exception of contract areas 14, 15, 16, 18, and 26, all fresh water ferry
expenditures were incurred by headquarters ferry maintenance and operations.
58
59
60
Appendix 1
Road and Bridge WorkProvincial Totals Fiscal 1995-96
Description Quantity Units
New Infrastructure AddedNew freeway 341 lane km
New four-lane divided highway 169.48 lane km
New four-lane undivided highway 88.3 lane km
New two-lane highway 184.38 lane km
New gravel road 0 lane km
New curb and gutter 36.0 km
New bridge projects 48
RehabilitationBridges rehabilitated 29
Resurfaced paved roads (recycled) 513.96 lane km
Resurfaced paved roads (new asphalt) 423.68 lane km
Numbered routes sealcoated 761.96 lane km
Traffic Signal Controllers Installed 77
Road realigned/reconstructed 29.5 km
Major gravelling 485,788.81 m3
Side roads: sealcoated 202.34 km
Side roads paved 94.27 lane km
Rest Area Improvement Projects 14
Construction Projects - greater than $200,000Clearing and grubbing 595.99 ha
Excavation - rock 1,430,961 m3
Excavation - other materials 5,499,622 m3
Granular sub-base and base course 2,906,263 tonne
Asphaltic concrete 621,289 tonne
Number of Construction Contracts 32
Number of Construction Projects 67
Major project designs completed 22
Fiscal year construction value $183,627,181
Development Approvals Functions (unorganized areas)Rezoning applications approved 1,022
Subdivisions receiving final approval 1,182
Subdivisions receiving PLA 1,603
Utility permits issued 6,148
Access permits issued 4,431
61
Region 1: South Coast
Pattullo Bridge Hwy 1A/99A 100 Roadway/Navigation lighting rehabFraser Hope Bridge Hwy 1, Hope 95 Included widening of deckOak Street Bridge Vancouver 100 Deck rehabilitation and resurfacingLions Gate Bridge Vancouver 100 Selective replacement sidewalk/stringersSilver Skagit Bridge Upper Fraser Valley 100 Deck restoration and repair (P.E.P.)BC Rail Overhead Pemberton 100 Erect Acrow bridge for community accessDeroche Bridge Deroche 100 Replace timber pile capsSilver Creek Bridge Silver Creek, Mission 30 Repair caps, shear keyIronworkers Memorial Bridge Second Narrows, Van. 5 Preliminary investigation, design, etc.Four Overhead Bridges Westport, Montizambert, 100 Resurfacing concrete bridge decks
Charles Creek, Lake City
Region 2: Thompson-Okanagan
Whipsaw Creek Bridge Hwy 3, Princeton 100 Widen deck and strengthen structureCollettville Bridge Coldwater River, Merritt 100 Replace old timber bridge
Region 3: Kootenays
Boundary Falls Bridge 8 km W of Greenwood 100 Widen and install parapetsBeaver Creek #9 5 km S of Trail 100 Install parapet, repair railsCedar Creek #5 Winlaw 100 Rebuild log stringer bridgeLyle Creek Bridge Hwy 31A, near Kaslo 100 Replace timber superstructureYmir Bridge Nelson-Salmo road 100 Replace cross ties, deck, railingYoho Bridge Hwy 1 E of Golden 100 Resurface bridge deckSt. Mary’s River Bridge Mission Road 99 Replaced with concrete stringer bridgeBontron Foot Bridge N of Edgewood 100 Replaced with re-galvanized Bailey bridgeBird Creek Blewett, S of Nelson 100 Replaced with steel box culvertLeet Bridge Kaslo Back Road 100 Replaced with multiplate culvertHospital Creek Bridge Golden Donald Upper Rd 100 Replaced log stringer with concrete stringer
Appendix 2
Bridge Rehabilitation Projects%
Project Name Location Completed Type, Description, Remarks
Continued on next page
62
Region 5: North West
Nadina Bridge Burns Lake 100 Improve grade, pave bridgeDay Lake Bridge Burns Lake 100 Replace structureCarlson Bridge Smithers 100 Replace structureRufus Creek Stewart 100 Replace Bailey bridge with multiplate culvertDelkatla Causeway Queen Charlotte Islands 100 Pave approaches to complete projectSkully Creek Hwy 37 S of Terrace 50 Design & channel work to mitigate flooding
Region 6: Vancouver Island
York Bridge York Rd, Campbell River 100 Replace deteriorated timberTaylor River Bridge Hwy 4 100 Replace deteriorated timberGold River Upper Bridge Gold River 100 Sidewalk additionHarris Cove Bridge Port Renfrew 100 ReconstructionMeade Creek Bridge Port Hardy 100 Replace deteriorated timber
%Project Name Location Completed Type, Description, Remarks
Appendix 2 (continued)
63
Appendix 3
Region Highway Construction Projects
Location and Description Length (km) % Completed
Region 1: South Coast
Mary Hill Bypass, Port Coquitlam, upgrade to 4-lane 3.34 54Broadway Connector, Burnaby, upgrade to 4-lane 1.60 65Petro Canada to St. Johns, Hwy 7A, 4-lane plus HOV lanes 3.80 85Texaco to Petro Canada, Hwy 7A, 4-lane plus HOV lanes 2.50 100Inlet Drive, Hwy 7A, 4-lane plus HOV lanes 1.10 100Johnson-Mariner Connector, Coquitlam, design/build new 4-lane 1.30 100Gibsons Bypass, Sunshine Coast, completion 1.80 100Westview Interchange, Hwy 1, North Vancouver, design/build 1.70 40Hwy 99 at Industrial/Finch, Squamish, intersection and 4-lane 0.80 100Hwy 99 Bus Lane, Delta, new HOV lane 4.30 100Hastings/Gaglardi, Burnaby, connect two provincial roadways 1.80 65
Region 2: Thompson-Okanagan
Sonora Rd to Monte Creek Rd, Hwy 1, E of Kamloops, new freeway 3.12 46Hwy 1, Pritchard, construct two passing lanes 2.50 100
Region 3: Kootenays
Hwy 1, Park Gate, E of Revelstoke, realign and 4-lane 2.50 65Hwy 3A, Brilliant Intersection, Castlegar, realign, improve intersection 4.70 100
Region 4: Central-North East
Hwy 97, Bijoux Falls to Azouzetta Lake, Pine Pass, construct 2-lane 9.50 50Colebank Rd to Woodpecker, S of Prince George, passing lanes 4.10 100Beatton River Crossing, E of Fort St John, new 2-lane route 10.00 50
Region 5: North West
Ninth Ave to Gowan Rd, Burns Lake, new 2-lane road 0.68 100Walkers Corner, Bulkley Nass District, new 2-lane road 1.00 100Hwy 37, Bulkley Nass District, new 2-lane alignment 9.77 55Hwy 16, Atrills Hill, Bulkley Nass District, new 2-lane alignment 1.88 80
Continued on next page
Region 6: Vancouver Island
Duke Point Hwy, Nanaimo, new 4-lane undivided highway 6.30 35Mt Washington Rd, Courtenay, new 2-lane road 16.00 30Lerwick Rd Connection, Courtenay-Comox, new 2-lane road 0.13 100Hwy 19, Courtenay, new 2-lane road 0.36 100Region 6: Vancouver Island - Vancouver Island Highway ProjectHwy 1, Helmcken Rd to Spencer Rd, new freeway 7.80 65Inland Island Highway, Parksville to Mud Bay, new freeway 45.00 85Inland Island Highway, Campbell River Bypass, new freeway 22.00 25Goldstream-Nanaimo, Stocking Creek-Transfer Beach, new 4-lane 100Nanaimo Parkway, Cedar Rd to Superior Rd, new 4-lane divided 20.00 65
64
%Location and Description Length (km) Completed
Appendix 3 (continued)
65
Appendix 4
New Bridge Projects
% Project Name Location Completed
Region 1: South Coast
Hemlock Valley Bridge Hemlock Valley Road 64Pallot Bridge No. 1 Pitt Meadows 100Mosquito Creek Bridge North Vancouver 100Westview Overpass North Vancouver 50Edgemont Overpass North Vancouver 100Jones Ave Pedestrian Overpass North Vancouver 100Johnson-Mariner Overhead Coquitlam 100Broadway Bridge No. 2022 Burnaby 30
Region 5: North West
Gitwinksihilw Bridge Gitwinksihilw 100
Region 6: Vancouver Island
Pedestrian Overpass on Hwy 19 Nanoose Bay 100Mount Newton Pedestrian Overpass Saanich 100
Vancouver Island Highway Project
Talcott Rd on Hwy 1 Victoria 90Watkiss Way on Hwy 1 Victoria 90West Burnside Rd on Hwy 1 Victoria 90Cranberry Overhead Nanaimo Parkway 90Cranberry Flyover Nanaimo Parkway 90Cranberry Overpass Nanaimo Parkway 90Beck Creek Nanaimo Parkway 90Cedar Road Nanaimo Parkway 90Millstone River Nanaimo Parkway 80
Continued on next page
66
Vancouver Island Highway Project (continued)
Harewood Mines Rd Nanaimo Parkway 75Nanaimo Lakes Rd Nanaimo Parkway 80East Wellington Rd Nanaimo Parkway 100Craig’s Crossing on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 60Highway 4A on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Corcan Road on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Kinkade Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Big Qualicum River on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 90Nile Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 90Cochrane Road on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Cook Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 85Thames Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Chef Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100Rosewell Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100McNaughton Creek on IIH Parksville to Mud Bay 100
Appendix 4 (continued)
% Project Name Location Completed
67
Appendix 5
Geotechnical and Materials Projects
Description Quantity
Geotechnical Drilling - diamond drill & auger rig 9207 mHorizontal Drains instal(m) 1091 mRock Slope Stabilization - Contract & MTH crews 24Geophysical surveys(projects) 38New Product Evaluations(number) 93Pavement Evaluations(number) 39Highway Design Evaluations(number) 58Stability Investigations(number) 54Contaminated Site investigations 41Bridge Foundation and Seismic Investigations 46Number of aggregate investigations 179Subdivision Referal investigations 14
Appendix 6
Highway Environment Projects
Description Quantity
Contaminated Site assessments - projects funded 35Archaeological/heritage site assessments 8Environmental site audits per Section 35 Land Transfer 6Environmental assessments – Stategic Highway Improvement Program 2Quality Assurance projects 21Environmental research projects 8Environmental management systems initiatives 2Socio-community/economic studies 8Fisheries/Wildlife assessment studies 12
68
1988-91 1991-94 1994-95Service Area Contractor Contracts Contracts ContractsSouth Island Victoria Highway Maintenance Corp. $30,397,000 $32,630,056 $10,607,301Central Island Island Highway Services Ltd. $23,254,000 $26,575,000 $9,160,716North Island Island Highway Services Ltd. $27,210,000 $27,655,728 $11,814,723Howe Sound Capilano Highway Services Co. $22,393,000 $24,017,061 $10,045,066Sunshine Coast Capilano Highway Services Co. $ 8,529,000
Coastal Roads (A division of Interior Roads Ltd.) $ 7,000,000 $3,379,224Lower Mainland Mainroad Contracting Ltd. $41,058,000 $36,731,888 $15,397,600Fraser Valley Gateway Highway Maintenance Ltd. $33,289,000
Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $31,140,056 $13,938,702South Okanagan Midvalley Highway Maintenance Inc. $35,201,000
O.K. Road Maintenance Inc. $35,960,557 $1,238,000Bel Maintenance Inc. $13,147,884
Kootenay Boundary Bel Maintenance Inc. $26,842,000 Emcon Service Inc. $25,000,000 $10,068,032
Central Kootenay Bel Maintenance Inc. $39,856,000 $39,900,000 $15,187,936East Kootenay Trendline Industries Ltd. $28,896,000
Bel Maintenance Inc. $29,990,000 $9,582,326Selkirk Bel Maintenance Inc. $25,255,000
VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. $24,259,558 $9,545,450Okanagan-Shuswap VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. $37,068,000
Emcon Service Inc. $31,964,444 $13,300,000Nicola Emcon Services Inc. $30,620,000 $33,700,000 $13,011,555Thompson Interior Roads Ltd. $27,618,000
Whiteline Road Maintenance Ltd. $22,946,137 $9,482,268South Cariboo Interior Roads Ltd. $32,219,000 $2,090,503
Whiteline Road Maintenance Ltd. $31,082,791 $10,584,028Caribou Road Services Ltd.
Central Cariboo Caribou Road Services Ltd. $29,811,000 $27,900,000 $10,718,025North Cariboo Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $26,329,000
Argo Road Maintenance Inc. $30,800,000 $10,493,735Fort George Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $36,565,000
Argo Road Maintenance Inc. $34,352,000 $13,570,044Robson Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $16,781,000
Interior Roads Ltd. $16,400,000 $6,244,004South Peace Peace Country Maintenance Ltd. $36,737,000 $34,200,000 $13,176,784North Peace Northland Road Services $30,688,000 $30,300,000 $11,898,266Nechako Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $19,760,000 $18,200,000 $7,354,006Lakes Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. $16,388,000 $16,480,487 $5,905,654Bulkley Nass Nechako Northcoast Const. Services $30,146,000
Bulkley Valley Maintenance Ltd. $29,919,395 $3,963,395Interior Roads Ltd. $1,944,5712891 Ventures $4,379,032
Skeena North Coast Road Maintenance Ltd. $11,726,000 Nechako Northcoast Const. Services $13,700,000 $6,0360542
Northcoast O’Brien Road and Bridge Maintenance Ltd. $ 7,421,000 $ 6,595,000 $2,895,690Stikine NorRoadco Enterprises Ltd. $23,905,000
Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. $21,655,000 $9,144,390 TOTALS $755,962,000 $741,055,158 $289,305,452
Appendix 7
Maintenance Contracts by Service Area
69
Appendix 7 (continued)
Round IV Maintenance ContractsRound IV road and bridge maintenance contracts (1995-2001) are for a 4–5 year contract term. Proponentssubmitting proposals were instructed to submit a price for the first year of the contract term only. This round ofcontracts includes an annual adjustment process to the contract price based on a number of maintenance factors,plus changes in price indices for labour, fuel and non-residential construction, that would be applied on eachanniversary date of the contract term.
1st YearService Area Contractor Contract Term Contract Price
South Island JJM Maintenance Ltd. Sept 20/96-Sept 19/2001 $11,010,000
Central Island Mainroad Mid-Island Contracting Ltd. Sept 13/95-Sept 12/2000 $9,287,000
North Island Mainroad North Island Contracting Ltd. Sept 8/95-March 7/2000 $12,459,864
Howe Sound Capilano Highway Services Company Oct 26/95-Oct 25/2000 $10,173,000
Sunshine Coast Emcon Services Inc. Apr 19/96-Apr 18/2001 $3,498,000
Lower Mainland Mainroad Contracting Ltd. March15/96-March 14/2001 $16,030,000
Fraser Valley Emil Anderson Maintenance Co. June 21/96- June 20/2001 $14,593,113.98
South Okanagan Argo Road Maintenance Ltd. May 10/96-May 9/2001 $14,360,000
Kootenay Boundary Emcon Services Inc. Oct 2/95-Oct 1/2000 $11,123,640
Central Kootenay VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. June 2/96-June1/2001 $16,225,000
East Kootenay Northland Road Services Ltd. Aug 23/96- Aug 22/2001 $10,953,336
Selkirk VSA Highway Maintenance Ltd. Oct 19/95-Oct 18/2000 $10,100,000
Okanagan-Shuswap Emcon Services Inc. March 29/96 -March 28/2001 $13,400,000
Nicola HMC Services Inc. June 28/96-June27/2001 $12,950,575
Thompson Argo Road Maintenance (Thompson) Inc. Sept 22/95-March 21/2000 $10,000,000
South Cariboo Interior Roads Ltd. June 14/96 -June13/2001 $13,100,040
Central Cariboo Caribou Road Services Ltd. July 5/96-July 4/2001 $11,000,019
North Cariboo Argo Road Maintenance Ltd. July8/96-July7/2001 $10,853,858
Fort George Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd. May 24/96 -May 23/2001 $13,378,732
Robson Northland Road Services Ltd. August 15/96- August14/2001 $6,360,000
South Peace Peace Country Maintenance Ltd. July 26/96- July25/2001 $13,660,000
North Peace Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. May 17/96- May 16/2001 $12,450,000
Nechako Yellowhead Road and Bridge Ltd. May 3/96- May 2/2001 $7,600,000
Lakes Nechako Northcoast Construction Burns Lake Sept 6/95-Sept 5/2000 $6,250,000
Bulkley Nass Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. Oct 3/96-Oct 2/2001 $10,640,000
Skeena Nechako Northcoast Construction April 12/96- April 11/2001 $6,375,000
North Coast O’Brien Road & Bridge Maintenance Ltd. Oct 12/95-Oct 11/2000 $3,304,295
Stikine Peace Country Maintenance Ltd. July 19/96- July 18/2001 $9,700,000
TOTAL $300,835,473
Appendix 8
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Corporate Profile
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is a provincial Crown corporation
established in 1973 to provide universal auto insurance to British Columbia motorists.
All motorists in B.C. are required to buy a basic package of ICBC Autoplan insurance,
which includes accident benefits, third-party legal liability protection and underinsured
motorist protection. The corporation competes with other carriers by offering extended
third-party legal liability and other optional insurance coverage. Unlike other carriers,
the corporation operates on a non-profit, break-even mandate. Premiums are set without
discrimination on the basis of age, sex or marital status. The revenue from more than two
million motorists is invested to provide benefits for clients and victims of crashes.
Discounted rates are offered to motorists who remain claim-free and surcharges are
applied to motorists with at-fault claims. Additional benefits were introduced in 1995 for
RoadStars — motorists who have maintained an ICBC 40-per-cent discount for more than
five consecutive years. These benefits included discount protection which allows
RoadStars to keep their 40-per-cent discount if they have an at-fault claim.
The corporation works with communities and stakeholder groups to improve road safety
and promotes safe driving through public education efforts under the Road Sense
umbrella.
Financial Goals and Objectives
The goal is to balance earnings from premiums and investments against claims and
operating expenses. Rate Stabilization Reserves are used to cover losses when the cost
of claims exceeds the premium income.
ICBC’s mission is to help take the risk out of road transportation for British Columbians
by providing effective and reliable auto insurance, developing and implementing safety
programs, and working with the auto industry and local governments to create safer
vehicles and roads.
1995 Results
ICBC ended its 1995 fiscal year with a $62-million surplus and $364 million in reserves.
Reserves were eight per cent of liabilities, which is well within the six-to-10-per-cent
range the corporation considers prudent.
70
71
Appendix 8 (continued)
Claims rose to 849,000 from 789,000 the previous year. Claims cost $1.96 billion
compared to $1.78 billion in 1994. Injury claims accounted for $1.24 billion, or
63 per cent; property claims totalled $724 million.
More than one quarter of ICBC’s customers enrolled in Autoplan12 financing plan,
which enables motorists to pay their premiums over 12 months.
Administrative Costs
ICBC continues to be one of the most efficient insurance companies in North America.
Administrative expenses in 1995 were held to less than four per cent of total expenses,
while the corporation’s expense ratio was just 16 per cent.
Loss Prevention
In 1995, the corporation began to shift emphasis from insurance provider to promoter of
road safety measures. By encouraging safe driving as well as safe vehicles and roads, the
corporation aims to reduce the number of accidents, especially serious crashes that lead
to injury or death. The objective is to save lives and money.
Road Sense was expanded in 1995 to include initiatives to crack down on auto crime, a
growing concern, and drinking drivers, a perennial problem, against which an enhanced
CounterAttack campaign involving 10 municipalities in Greater Vancouver and Greater
Victoria was launched between July and December. During the year, the corporation also
began planning for the introduction of photo radar to the province, and initiated hard-
hitting television ads focusing on the often-tragic consequences of excessive speed.
The Workplace
The corporation supports and promotes employment equity, multiculturalism and
workplace diversity. These measures not only provide equal opportunity for employees
to participate and further their careers, but enhance service to ICBC’s culturally diverse
customer base. Employees have access to a broad range of job training and development
programs.
Note: ICBC was assigned to the Minister of Finance and Corporate Relationson February 28, 1996.
Appendix 9
BCR Group of Companies
The BCR Group of Companies is a customer-focused, market-driven organization
providing efficient and integrated services in transportation, telecommunications,
real estate and related services. During 1995/96, it has been responsible to the legislature
through the minister of transportation and highways.
Although publicly owned, the Group operates with a commercial mandate and competes
in the private sector with other railways, trucking firms, land developers, port operators
and telecommunication firms.
The Group comprises the provincially owned holding company, British Columbia
Railway Company, four operating subsidiaries — BC Rail Ltd., BCR Properties Ltd.,
Vancouver Wharves Ltd. and Westel Telecommunications Ltd. — and a joint venture
management company, BCR Ventures Inc. The companies function as separate entities
and are independently directed and managed. Vancouver Wharves and Westel
Communications are subject to federal regulation, while BC Rail Ltd. and BCR Properties
are provincially regulated.
BC Rail Ltd., Canada’s third largest railway, is an integrated transportation company.
It is commercially driven and diversified to meet the needs of its customers. The railway
transports many of British Columbia primary resource products, including forest
products, coal, minerals and metal concentrates, on its 2,502-kilometre rail network.
It is connected to all rail-served points in North America. Strategic business units within
the operating railway are rail freight, intermodal services, passenger services, fleet
management and international rail consultants.
BCR Properties Ltd. functions as both BC Rail’s real estate division and as an
independent entrepreneurial real estate development company. It is active in land
development and management. It manages about 16,000 hectares and administers some
500 land leases. More than 50,000 square metres of buildings are under its management,
including BC Rail Centre in North Vancouver. At March 31, 1996, two major projects
were under construction — a 4,000-square-metre office building in Prince George and
a 6,000-square-metre retail centre in Squamish.
72
73
Appendix 9 (continued)
Westel Telecommunications operates 2,500 km of communication lines and is linked to
the global telecommunications network. It provides competitively priced voice, data and
video image services to businesses and residences throughout B.C. Almost exclusively
digital, the network extends from Vancouver to Fort Nelson, with extensions to Victoria,
Kamloops, Kelowna, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge and Driftwood.
Vancouver Wharves Ltd. is a five-berth deep sea bulk terminal located at the entrance to
the Port of Vancouver in Burrard Inlet. It handles a variety of export products, including
mineral concentrates, pulp, liquids and dry bulk fertilizers. The company also operates
an inbound concentrates-receiving system. Vancouver Wharves was one of the first
terminals in North America to receive certification from the International Standards
Organization.
Financial Overview
The BCR Group of Companies has assets of more than $1.5 billion. Its consolidated
1995 net income was $46.7 million, compared with a net income of $40.5 million for the
previous year, representing one of the most successful years in the history of the Group.
Consolidated revenues were up 10.4 per cent, or $40 million, to $425 million.
Consolidated operating income was $82 million, compared with $72.5 million in 1994
and $27.8 million in 1993.
Looking Ahead
In the years ahead, the Group will continue to market its rail freight operations, while
emphasizing the growing contribution of its other companies. As suitable opportunities
are identified, the Group may diversify further into resource development along the
railway’s right of way. BC Rail will also evaluate the acquisition of rail lines that become
available in western Canada as a result of industry privatization and restructuring
programs.
The Group’s operating goal is to increase the value of the companies for its shareholder,
the province, and for the people of British Columbia.
Appendix 10
Motor Carrier Commission
The Motor Carrier Commission is an independent commission of the Province of British
Columbia, reporting to the Legislature through the Minister of Transportation and
Highways.
Created in 1973 with the abolition of the Public Utilities Commission that had
administered the Motor Carrier Act since 1939, it regulates the transportation of goods or
persons by for-hire motor vehicles in the province. It derives its authority from the Motor
Carrier Act, and also under delegation from the Government of Canada, pursuant to the
Motor Vehicle Transport Act, 1987.
It is the duty of the commission to regulate motor carriers, including commercial trucks,
buses and taxis moving both inside and outside the province, with the object of
promoting adequate and efficient service, a healthy industry, safe highways and fair and
reasonable charges.
The commission may make investigations, inquiries, regulations and orders where it
deems necessary in carrying out its responsibilities. It may grant applications in whole
or in part, or may hold public hearings for further investigation into applications.
The commission’s operational arm is the Motor Carrier Department, which accepts
applications, conducts investigations, issues licences and collects revenue on behalf
of the commission. In cooperation with other agencies, the department participates
in various compliance activities, including road checks, investigation of complaints,
and random audits of the records of licensed motor carriers.
Highlights
The commission considered 3,883 applications for licensing during the year ending
Feb. 29, 1996. These included 3483 for new authority, alterations to existing authority,
or transfers of authority There were 226 more licensed carriers at the end of the year,
despite cancellation or deletion of 766 licences during the year.
General revenues totalled $7,221,811, an increase of $391,403 from the previous year.
74
The commission conducted 893 public hearings, including 60 applications for licence
authority, three review hearings, and 740 show-cause hearings. The Reconsideration
Panel heard 93 cases. The majority of the hearings were heard in Burnaby, but others
were scheduled in Cranbrook, Duncan, Gibsons, Kelowna, Lillooet, Nelson, Penticton,
Prince George and Victoria.
The commission issued 851 orders and the Reconsideration Panel issued 108 leave
orders and 59 reconsideration orders.
The Motor Carrier Department handled 50 complaint files. During the year the
commission issued 7,360 temporary permits authorizing seasonal, emergency or
occasional operation of public or limited vehicles on the provincial highways.
75
Appendix 10 (continued)
76
Appendix 11
Columbia Basin Trust
The trust was created by the Columbia Basin Trust Act passed by all parties in the
provincial legislature in May 1995. It arose out of the collective desire of basin residents
to receive recognition for – and the provincial government’s acknowledgment of – the
injustices and damages done to the region by the dams and reservoirs built under the
Columbia River Treaty.
The trust ensures investments match the values and priorities of the region. Its 18-
member board is made up entirely of basin residents. The board is required to prepare a
short-term corporate management plan by July 1996, and a long-term Columbia Basin
Management Plan by July 1997.
In developing plans, the trust must consult with the public and form one or more
advisory committees.
The functions of the committees are to advise directors on investing the region’s share of
downstream benefits from the Columbia River Treaty, to assist the trust board of directors
in anticipating social, environmental and economic needs of the region and to aid in the
development of long- and short-term plans.
For further information, contact:
Columbia Basin Trust
Main Floor, 102 Nelson Ave. N
Box 220, Nakusp, B.C. V0G 1R0
Tel: (250) 265-4822
Fax: (250) 265-2246
Toll Free: 1-800-505-8998
77
Appendix 12
Columbia Power Corporation
The Columbia Power Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation established on April
18, 1994 to manage hydroelectric assets and develop new generation at the existing Hugh
Keenleyside Dam, jointly with the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). In May 1996, the CPC
and the CBT purchased Cominco’s Brilliant Dam for $130 million. Associated with this
purchase and other agreements related to the maintenance and operations of the dam is
the management of the Brilliant lands and the co-ordination of workers and contractors
performing rehabilitation work on the Dam. The joint venture has also purchased the
rights to expand power generation facilities at the Brilliant and Waneta dams. The
corporation received an initial investment of $51.8 million in May 1994.
In March 1995, the province signed the Columbia Basin Accord with the Columbia River
Treaty Committee to ensure the return of a fair share of the downstream benefits to the
region. Investments totalling $1 billion over the next 10 years will help create needed
jobs and training opportunities for basin residents.
Columbia Basin Accord objectives are to:
• create jobs,
• manage the water resource,
• invest in power assets,
• secure power supplies, and
• maintain and develop markets.
Under an agreement with the Columbia Basin Trust, which was created with the
proclamation of the Columbia Basin Trust Act in July 1995, the province has committed
to contribute $50 million a year for 10 years, beginning in April 1996, towards the
development of power projects in the basin.
These projects, including the undeveloped hydroelectric assets vested in the Columbia
Power Corporation, are to be managed jointly by the corporation and the trust.
The development plan, announced in Castlegar on January 13, 1996 includes
continuation of the ongoing environmental approval process for the installation of a
power plant at the Hugh Keenleyside Dam, the ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation
78
of Brilliant Dam, followed by turbine upgrades and future expansion of the Brilliant
power plant. Long-term proposals include expanding the power plant at Waneta Dam.
The corporation has been directed by Cabinet to undertake the planning activities and
negotiations necessary to advance the power projects, and represents the province’s
interest in the projects.
For further information, contact:
Columbia Basin Power Projects
1125-4th Street
Castlegar, B.C. V1N 2A8
Tel: (250) 365-3189
Fax: (250) 365-3186
Appendix 12 (continued)
79
Appendix 13
British Columbia Transportation Financing Authority
The BC Transportation Financing Authority (BCFTA) was established by the Build BC
Act (1993). The act states that the purpose of the BCFTA is:
“… to plan, acquire, construct, improve or cause to be constructed or improved
transportation infrastructure throughout British Columbia and to do such other
things as the Lieutenant Governor in Council may authorize.”
The act also stipulates that part of the BCFTA’s mandate is to fulfill the BC21 objectives,
including the following:
a) co-ordinating the government’s activities to achieve overall economic development
and job creation goals;
b) ensuring that all regions of the province benefit from economic expansion and
diversification;
c) encouraging public and private sector investment and job creation activities in an
innovative manner;
d) promoting training and investment in people as a significant component of public
sector investment activity; and
e) creating training and employment opportunities for people from traditionally
disadvantaged groups.
The BCFTA is a Crown corporation governed by a five-member board of directors. It
pursues its objectives through the ongoing activities of its two operating divisions, the
Planning and Evaluation Division and the Project Development and Financing Division.
Communications support is provided by the Communications Branch. The corporation is
based in Victoria, with a small branch office in Vancouver.
For further information on the activities of the BC Transportation Financing Authority,
phone the Communications Branch at (250) 356-0981, visit the offices at 300 - 940
Blanshard Street, Victoria, or write to:
BC Transportation Financing Authority
Box 9900, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9R1
