The findings arising from this project were presented to stakeholders and the general public to help them make an informed decision at a municipal referendum on the subject. 

Two evaluation frameworks were used for this undertaking – one being the “traditional economic analysis” framework and the other a “consumer surplus” framework.  Each of these approaches involved:

• Quantification of project costs and effects
• Valuation of effects
• Expression of future cash flow streams in present value terms

For decision-making purposes, results were aggregated and expressed in terms of a “cost-to-benefit” ratio and an “incremental cost-benefit” ratio.

The project served as a reality check on the need for the implementation of a major roadway facility that has a large price tag (estimated construction cost of $22 million) and is highly contentious.  The rigor of the economic evaluation process raised fundamental questions that helped City staff, councilors and residents hone in on the right questions and reduced the gap in the vision and expectations of the various parties involved.

The application of economic evaluation principles to large-scale infrastructure projects ensures that common planning pitfalls are avoided.  The analysis conducted by Morrison Hershfield resulted in the deferral of the parkway’s implementation, thus saving the City millions of dollars of unnecessary expenditures.