COLD LAKE – A "historic" supply agreement has been reached by the Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission (RUSC) and the Bonnyville Regional Water Commission (BRWC) ahead of the water delivery through the new water pipeline.
Water has been flowing into the pipeline system since mid-January in preparation for commission of the line, and supply to begin. Cold Lake RUSC chairman Bob Buckle and BRWSC chairman Greg Sawchuk signed the supply agreement at the water transfer station, which is located just south of the City of Cold Lake.
“This is another strong example of what regional cooperation can achieve,” Buckle said. “The conclusion of this project means safe, potable water for our members and customers, including the City of Cold Lake, 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake First Nations, and the Bonnyville Regional Water Commission. We are proud to have been a part of the successful completion of this historic project.”
The project will see 17 user connections within the MD of Bonnyville, as well as to Cold Lake First Nations and to the Town of Bonnyville being supplied with water. Connection points to Fort Kent and Ardmore were also established through the new water line.
Sawchuk said that he, along with the entire Bonnyville commission, is very pleased to see the successful completion of the waterline along with all of the other upgrades to the Cold Lake water treatment plant and the transfer station.
“It has taken a long time to come to fruition, but by working together we have created something that will be for the betterment of the entire region for a very long time,” Sawchuk noted.
The roughly $97-million project was funded through the Government of Canada’s Clean Water and Wastewater fund, the provincial government’s Water for Life grant, with the Cold Lake RUSC contracting the city to operate the infrastructure.
Once the treated water is pumped out of the treated water transfer station, the infrastructure is owned and will be operated by the BRWSC.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no formal celebrations at this time, however, the project’s completion is a remarkable occasion for all involved.
