Construction on the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System project is officially underway.
On Monday, a groundbreaking event was held and was attended by Amarjeet Sohi, minister of infrastructure and communities; Brian Mason, Alberta minister of infrastructure and minister of transportation; Steve Christie, mayor of Lacombe; Melodie Stol, mayor of Blackfalds; Paula Law, reeve of Lacombe County; and Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer, to celebrate the start of construction on the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Transmission System.
This infrastructure project will connect Lacombe, Blackfalds and Lacombe County to the regional wastewater treatment facility in Red Deer. It includes the construction of 26 kms of wastewater pipeline, regional lift stations in Lacombe and Blackfalds, and an odour management facility in the City of Red Deer. Odour management strategies will also be implemented at both lift stations and at air release points along the pipeline.
The Government of Canada will contribute up to $29.8 million toward this project under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The Government of Alberta will be providing $27.4 million, with the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission covering the remaining costs of the project, which has a total estimated cost of over $70 million.
“Given the legislative, environmental, and financial realities we all find ourselves navigating in increasing expectations for new and enhanced services, and the fact that people do not live, labour and recreate within the confines of a border, regional partnerships have become an essential means of doing business and serving our citizens,” said Veer.
Stol added a regional wastewater line has been identified as the number one infrastructure priority for the Town of Blackfalds.
“This crucial project will provide immense benefit for our growing community and the region in terms of employment created throughout the project, economic opportunities for industries considering Blackfalds, and for the everyday quality of life for our residents,” she said.
Christie echoed Stol’s remarks.
“This regional wastewater transmission system has long been a top priority for the City of Lacombe and our partner municipalities in the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission. We are very appreciative of the strong support provided by the Government of Canada and the Alberta Government in moving this vital infrastructure project forward. It will yield immediate economic benefits in terms of employment during construction, and will provide for much-needed long-term sustainability in addressing Lacombe’s critical wastewater needs,” he said.
- Fawcett
