Three Rivers Explores Possible Water and Sewer Services Expansion
The proposed expansion of municipal water and sewer services into Brudenell may be one step closer to reality. The Town of Three Rivers recently hired an engineering firm to examine all aspects of its existing systems and what would be required if it were to upgrade and expand into unserviced areas.
In anticipation of the completion of that research, Council passed a motion authorizing staff to apply for financial assistance through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for future expansion based on a Montague Water and Sewer Corporation recommendation. Should the funding application be approved, and final research supportive of the expansion, work could start as early as next year.
“We’ve heard from people in the area who are keen to have access to water and sewer services, so it’s exciting to think about the prospect of being able to respond to that,” said Three Rivers Mayor Ed MacAulay. “We are in the very early stages and this funding application is just one step in a multi-step process. We will still need to review the final research reports, consult with the community and the experts, and ensure any work we move ahead with makes sense and is affordable both to the municipality and to those who will access the new services.”
Council contracted CBCL Ltd. to develop Water Distribution Master Plans and Sanitary Sewer Master Plans for both the Montague and Georgetown utilities, as well as a Service Options Report for Cardigan. This work involves examining the municipality’s existing water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment networks, as well as any potential work needed to accommodate future growth in Three Rivers.
CBCL was also asked for a report estimating what would be needed to service the Poole’s Corner Business Park. Their report highlighted three options: expansion to Poole’s Corner Business Park, estimates to Macdonald Road and estimates to complete a water supply and disinfection system onsite at the Business Park.
“We wanted to do our due diligence before applying for funding, ensuring we’re following the advice of experts,” said Mayor MacAulay. “Based on our consultant’s report and recommendations from the Montague Water and Sewer Corporation, expanding services into Pooles Corner at this time is not feasible. However, extending it to Macdonald Road in Brudenell is a possibility, as long as the final reports support this concept, our funding application is approved, and Council gives the final go-ahead.”
The work, if it moves ahead, would involve installation of two kilometres of water main as well as fire hydrants and water services to individual lots along MacDonald Highway (Rte 4). It would also include installation of a wastewater lift station and two kilometres of sewer pipes along MacDonald Highway to MacDonald Road.
“Recently, Environment Minister Stephen Myers spoke to media about the potential expansion of services and looming funding application deadlines,” Mayor MacAulay said. “On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank the Minister for his vote of confidence and concern. The media report suggested the Minister will help advocate for this project and we look forward to speaking with him about it. If all goes well, we hope to collectively have some good news to announce in the near future.”
The Town’s ICIP application will be submitted based on estimates to complete the initial work. It’s expected those estimates could change when the final CBCL reports are received. The deadline for applications is April 30.
For more information about the Town of Three Rivers, visit https://threeriverspei.com
For information about the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html
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Media contact:
Jill Walsh
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Three Rivers
902-838-2528
jwalsh@threeriverspei.com
