At the end of the day, it was hard work and collaboration that got the job done.
Last week, the Regional Water Commission were notified the province would be funding the $11-million overage for the regional waterline.
According to Town of Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski, who is also the chair for the Regional Water Commission, it couldn’t have been done without the joint effort of Alberta Indigenous Relations and Alberta Transportation, who have agreed to partner in funding the additional cost of the project.
“We’re very grateful for the province, because it’s two ministries that are collaborating to make this happen,” he expressed.
With the funding confirmed, the commission was able to go ahead and award tenders for the about $83-million project.
“We’re very grateful that we were able to advance this,” Sobolewski stressed. “This project essentially started 17 years ago. It’s been 17 years in the making. We’re very grateful for it to come to fruition.”
The waterline was determined to be the best method of Bonnyville getting access to clean drinking water. The line will run from Cold Lake to town, with a few communities tapping in along the way.
Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland said although the project came in $11-million over budget, it’s something that will benefit multiple communities.
“The province is committed to improving the drinking water in communities,” he exclaimed, adding now that the additional funding has been approved, they will start to look for monies to cover the cost tying in the two Métis Settlements, Frog Lake Cree Nation, and the north reserve of Cold Lake First Nation.
In total, there were four separate tenders awarded, each responsible for a different portion of the overall waterline project.
One of the more costly items was the upgrades needed to the Cold Lake Water Treatment Plant, in order to support the waterline running from the lake to Bonnyville.
Up until last week, the water commission only had verbal confirmation from the province that they would be willing to cover the extra cost. This had all parties involved nervous about the future of the project. Although they were confident it would forge ahead, the spring 2020 deadline to use the federal funding portion of the waterline was looming.
“We’re glad it’s going to get started. It’s fantastic,” said MD Reeve Greg Sawchuk. “The province has made it a point that they’re looking for regional projects, and this is one that fits the bill with providing water in the future for numerous areas.”
Sobolewski said now that the commission has awarded the tenders, they’re ready to celebrate as soon as they break ground.
“We’re hoping it will start as soon as possible,” he expressed. “I can hardly wait... I want as much of the public available for when we cut the ribbon and drink that first glass of water.”
