Residential lane - centre strip pavement

Many owners have requested an alternative to full width lane paving because of their concerns for the environment.

The City has recently adopted the centre strip pavement as the City standard in residential areas. Full width paving is no longer an option in residentially zoned areas.

Centre strip paving

A centre strip paving project addresses the demands from some owners for a smooth driving surface yet be respectful of the environment by not directing more surface water into the storm sewer system. To accomplish this, our construction crew would clear and pave the centre portion of the lane. If appropriate, the sides of the lane would be left untouched as much as possible except in front of garages where construction crews would provide granular material to drive on or off the centre strip pavement. This means any landscaping, ditches, overgrowth, small structures and debris along the sides of the lane should remain undisturbed. Any surface water falling in the lane would continue to drain to the side or percolate into the ground.

Owners that prefer a direct connection from their garages or parking areas to the centre strip pavement can arrange to have the work done on a cash basis. Where available lane allowances are narrower than the standard lane width of 6.1 meters, lane construction work could result in full width paving.

Scope of work

• removal of the temporary surface
• grading and preparation of the centre portion of the lane, side of the lane will remain untouched
• approximately 3.4 meter wide x 50 mm of asphaltic concrete pavement
• a gravel/granular apron adjacent the centre strip in front of garages or parking areas

Key benefits:

• dust reduction
• smooth driving surface
• retention of green verges

Improvement charges

Owners are assessed for part of the overall cost of lane construction. The City also contributes towards the overall cost as well. However, the amount varies depending upon the zoning of the area. The costs for lane improvement projects can be paid in a lump sum or it can be carried over a 15 year period.

The amount each property owner contributes is based upon the assessable length of their property multiplied by the flat rates listed below. Usually the assessable length is the frontage length of the lot. However, there are lots that are unusual in shape and may be eligible for equitable adjustments. Please refer to Assessments for more detail.

Current rates for lane improvements*

Zoning	Lump Sum	Annual (15yrs)
Residential	$73.00/ft	$7.00/ft

* Rates subject to change without notice

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