LAC LA BICHE - Work on the Lac La Biche water tower is progressing well and is expected to be wrapped up by the middle of September, says Wajeeha Ansari, an engineering technologist with Lac La Biche County.
Phase one of the water tower revitalization project got underway on July 21, while the second phase started up the following week. The project has an approved budget of $625,000.
During a regular meeting on May 13, Lac La Biche County council approved an additional $106,000 for the project, which involves the removal of existing lead-based paint from the topmost portion of the water tower, along with surface restoration, structural maintenance, and recoating on the upper sections on the nearly 60-year-old community landmark.
According to Ansari, the construction team is currently in the painting stage and is working on the top portion of the tower.
“The full scope of work includes removing the old paint, repairing existing steel plates where required, and applying new paint. To date, the primer and the first coat of grey paint have been completed. The plan is to apply a total of four layers—primer, two coats of grey, and a finishing coat of white,” she explained.
When speaking with Lakeland This Week last week, Ansari said there were a few minor delays over the past two weeks due to rain and wind as the crew is currently using a manlift (a boom lift machine) to work on the upper portion of the tower, and weather conditions made it unsafe to proceed.
Despite these setbacks, the project is moving along smoothly and is anticipated to be completed by mid-September.
The water tower, which was constructed in 1967, is not currently used for water storage. It had served the community as a potable water storage facility for several decades.
The historic piece of infrastructure, Ansari continued, is a landmark that a lot of County residents cherish.
“Restoring this historic structure not only preserves a piece of local heritage but also brings back fond memories and a sense of pride for the community,” she said. “For many, the tower is tied to childhood experiences, and its revitalization will rekindle that joy while creating a symbol for future generations.”
