Residents can learn about the next wave of steps in the regional waterline process.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission (RUSC) is hosting an public open house at the Ardmore Community Centre from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We're going to have information boards there explaining the route of the waterline, and what that might mean to residents in the region. It's a general information session to address any concerns,” said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland.
Members of RUSC, the Bonnyville Regional Water Services Commission, engineering company Aecom, and Dema Land Services will all be available for questioning.
Plans for an upgraded water treatment plant and the potential for expanding the pipeline will highlight some of the information on display.
“The boards will show you other communities that could be part of the future expansion of the pipeline. There are going to have to be some modifications to the current water treatment plant, so that information will be available as well,” detailed Copeland.
The session will also discuss the hand-off of water between Cold Lake RUSC and the Bonnyville commission.
Residents looking to attach their property to the new waterline will have the opportunity to get the facts. Accessing the water won't be as easy as adding an extra pipe from the residence to the waterline. The MD will use the open house to help determine if direct residential connection will happen.
“The people that are close to the transmission line are going to want to know if they can hook up to it. This helps, because our commission is faced with the decision on whether they're going to allow it or not,” said MD of Bonnyville Reeve Ed Rondeau.
Potential bidders for the large scale project are also expected to be in attendance, looking to get a leg up on the competition.
The commissions hope to have a large contingent of local businesses enter bids. Copeland noted they would like to see the multi-million dollar project stay in the Lakeland.
“We're hoping some of the local companies in the area will get a shot at the work. This is going to be a significant construction project for some of our locals to bid on.”
