The regional waterline is even further along the way to becoming a reality after receiving a major boost from the federal government.
Last week, local politicians were in Edmonton as Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, along with Alberta's Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Brian Mason, announced over $32.4 million in funding to the Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission (RUSC) for the regional waterline.
“It feels very rewarding; we've been at this for over 10 years. It started with our former mayor Ernie Isley. There's been a lot of hours, a lot of blood, sweat and tears going into this, and today we realize the fruits of our labour and get recognition from both the provincial and federal government just how important this regional waterline is in our community,” Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski told the Nouvelle following the announcement.
“We have a whole history to this waterline and now we see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's a very rewarding feeling.”
The announcement comes as the governments of Canada and Alberta signed an agreement that will make more than $1.08 billion available to communities under two new federal programs – the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. Under the new grants, the governments approved 46 transit projects and 17 water and wastewater projects.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we want to build for tomorrow. The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support infrastructure and create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today,” said Sohi.
“Working together, we are improving people's access to clean water, improved wastewater treatment facilities, and public transportation, all while supporting economic growth,” Mason added. “These investments not only help Albertans get back to work, they also mean better services and a better quality of life for everyone.”
The dollars RUSC is getting is just a fraction of the $196.7 million the Government of Canada is providing Alberta through the new Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. Approved projects will receive federal funding for up to 50 per cent of the cost, while the province will provide up to 40 per cent through the Water for Life program.
Funding through the new agreement was made retroactive to April 1, 2016, allowing projects to proceed without waiting for the dollars.
“I was very excited. Needless to say, I didn't have to be convinced to drive to Edmonton to be a part of the announcement. It's going to be awesome for the region,” expressed MD of Bonnyville Reeve Ed Rondeau, adding that with the new funding in place they'll be pushing to get things moving even quicker.
“We think it's just the greatest thing since sliced bread. I was not expecting this announcement so soon, now we have to roll up our sleeves and get to work... I do know that we're getting half of the grant in this year's government budget and the other half next year, so we have to get moving.”
City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland noted that the funding commitment shows just how important the waterline is, as it's not often a such a substantial amount of money is given to the region from the Government of Canada.
“My entire political career I've never seen the federal government bring this kind of money to our region. It's long overdue so it's encouraging. The waterline to Bonnyville and Cold Lake First Nations, it jumped the cue over many projects in the province. It just speaks to how the province is concerned about the quality of water for Bonnyville.”
It was just a couple months ago when the province announced Water For Life funding just shy of $6 million for the design of the regional waterline. Prior to the funding, the town was awarded a $350,000 ACP grant to study the governance structure for the waterline, as well as Cold Lake itself.
According to Sobolewski, the town is expecting to release a request for proposal this week for the study on the governance model. They will also be moving forward with meetings between the three municipalities to map out plans for the waterline.
“We need to try and bring the cost in under budget and then hopefully, once we've done the engineering and worked things out with the province, start construction.”
Copeland added that “there's still some loose ends to tie up on how much each municipality has to contribute to the project.” However, when they do get the construction of the waterline underway, there will be more benefits than just the quality of water.
“It's going to put a lot of people to work, there's a good chance that some local companies will be able to bid on the project when it goes out for tender.”
Overall, Sobolewski said the funding is a welcome surprise that will have a big impact on the area for years to come.
“It came as a total surprise, and we're ecstatic about it. I thanked profusely Minister Mason and Minister Sohi for the dedication and providing us the means to move forward on this important project.”
