Skip to content

County of Wetaskiwin council hears projects now in ‘winter shutdown’

Hamlet storm water, Pigeon Lake wastewater discussed Dec. 11
14980357_web1_180509-WPF-M-Wetaskiwin-county-office-6

County of Wetaskiwin council heard an update on Public Works projects which have been put into hibernation for the winter. The report came during the regular Public Works council meeting Dec. 11.

Public Works manager Neil Powell submitted his regular report to councilors.

In his report Powell stated, “A good part of November was dedicated to the 2019 Budget and long term capital plans. This includes discussions of select programs at the annual Strategic Planning Sessions and consultation with our Engineers.

“The STIP applications for the G3 Resource road and three affected bridges have been submitted to Alberta Transportation. Negotiations are proceeding with the landowners regarding right of way acquisition. It is expected that news of the STIP application will be received in April, 2019.

“The 2018 Road Construction Project(s) are now in winter shutdown. This means that some of the work will carry over to 2019 for completion. Notably, work on the Battle Lake Trail and TR 480 have both been shut down for the season. A “winter shutdown” traffic accommodation plan will be implemented to deal with traffic on these two projects over the winter months. The County is finalizing details with the Contractor and the plan is expected to be in place by the end of November 2018.

“Administration is working with WSP Engineering in regards to the Hamlet Stormwater Study. This study should be completed in 2018 and provides a drainage assessment of all the Hamlets. This information will support the overall Hamlet Infrastructure - Five Year Plan which will be developed throughout 2019.

“Phase 2 of the South Regional Pigeon Lake Wastewater System is primarily complete. The supply of power was delayed considerably, however it is now projected that Fortis and the WWREA will have power to the site by the end of December 2018. Full commissioning of the station will be completed in January 2019.

“Work is proceeding on the sewage collection forcemain in the subdivisions of Village Creek Estates and Crystal Keys. The work is expected to be primarily complete December 2018.”

Utility foreman report

Under this heading, councilors heard, “The Gwynne Truck Fill changes are complete. Overhead discharge piping is now in the center of the driveway. Truck Fill Customers are responsible for their own extension piece to bridge the gap from the bottom of the discharge hose to the top of their tank.

“The Gwynne Water Meter change program is complete. All water meters in Gwynne are now working. The old water meters were sent to Accu-Flo for warranty replacement or repair.

“A faulty 4 inch check valve was replaced on Distribution Pump #1 at the Gwynne Pump House.

“The exterior lights at the Gwynne Pump House were repaired.

“The Gwynne Lift Station was repaired. A contactor panel had corroded and was inoperable. Contactor panel was replaced and the station was put back in service.”

It was noted the Gwynne water station sees steady use, even through winter. Powell also noted recent changes to the station, including height, resulted in some complaints, but it looks like users are getting used to it.

Councilors unanimously accepted Powell’s reports for information.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca