The City of Wetaskiwin’s updated Utility Master Plan (UMP) has been finalized by Associated Engineering and was presented to Wetaskiwin City Council mid-September this year.
The UMP updated project was approved by Council as part of the 2019 Capital Budget.
The city says that the purpose of the UMP is to provide direction on utility investment that is transparent and justifiable based on community values.
“The forecasting of future needs also provides a strategic planning framework focused on the City’s water, stormwater, and sanitary networks,” stated the city in a press release.
“The UMP identifies and recommends projects required for meeting service levels with existing systems and projects required to allow for growth.”
Some of the recommended projects within the UMP include:
• Upgrades to the water distribution system to satisfy fire flow criteria, which is the water pressure required to control a major fire in specific areas.
• The implementation of a continuous sanitary flow monitoring program, which would allow for data collection and proactive planning.
• The city implement a continuous storm sewer flow monitoring program and undertake a CCTV inspection program of their storm system to ensure no blockages or pipe deterioration exists.
The full implementation of the UMP is projected to cost and estimated $28 million. The city says they will pursue any available grants at the time of the implementation of projects from the UMP.
Currently none of the projects identified in the UMP have been put into action yet.
“The Utility Master Plan gives the City a roadmap to guide development of new infrastructure for developing areas, while keeping our existing infrastructure performing at a very high service level,” said Andrew Chell, Manager of Planning and Engineering.
“More predictable infrastructure lifetimes and service levels will help us be more proactive. This will mean more cost-effective maintenance schedules, fewer emergency repairs, and minimized service disruptions when repairs are necessary.”
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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