Innisfail has thrown its support behind a regional water line after harbouring initial qualms that it would be too pricey for town residents.
The $40-million water line will connect Innisfail to Olds and is expected to ease some of the pressure on the town’s water system, especially during dry periods when it struggles to meet demand.
Innisfail was supportive of the project but balked at the cost. Late last year, the town rejected the business plan created by the Mountain View Regional Water Services Commission because it would have boosted local water bills by over 50 per cent to pay for the line.
That issue was raised with the government — and it came through with $10 million in funding help last month.
Mayor Jim Romane said the provincial cash was important because it means less money has to be borrowed and paid for through users’ water bills.
“It’s quite a substantial reduction in the impact on our ratepayers,” said Romane, who is vice-chair of the commission.
It wasn’t just the water bill the town had to consider. A $107-million regional wastewater line will also be constructed at the same time and some of the cost of that project will also end up on utility bills. The province is paying 90 per cent of construction costs.
“We were looking at doubling water and sewer bills for the community,” said the mayor. “We had a lot of concerns with it.”
The provincial cash is also timely because it allows the water line to be built at the same time as the regional sewage line, a move that is expected to save 20 per cent or $8 million. Money will be saved because excavation for the two lines can take place simultaneously.
“It was good news to pull it all together,” he said.
Engineering work is still being completed on the pipelines, but it is hoped the work can be tendered this summer so construction can start a few weeks later.
The water line will be important because during dry periods the town’s water treatment system struggles to meet demand.
“It depends on the kind of year we have. If it’s a dry year (the need for the water line) is urgent,” he said.
“Even though we’re going to have lots of water available when we twin this line, still it’s not an excuse to waste water. We’ll be working on continuing water conservation and continuing water education programs.”
The commission also includes the communities of Bowden, Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs and Crossfield.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com