By Grant Warkentin
The city has approved nearly $6 million in sewer upgrades to accommodate new development on We Wai Kai lands on Quinsam Road, and future growth in Campbellton.
Upgrades will cost more than originally expected because of legacy contamination left by gas stations over the last seven decades, but city staff say the additional expenditure will ensure the project can move ahead this year.
“The project is considered critical to maintaining long-term sewer system reliability, supported planned growth, reducing the risk of future capacity-related service issues, and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements,” says a report to council from the acting finance director.
At the July 16 regular meeting, council approved awarding a $4.2 million contract to Hazelwood Construction to do the work, which will involve removing and replacing PVC pipes along Highway 19 from Tamarac to Redwood Street, and up Redwood Street to connect with the lift station. It also approved more than $2 million in additional funding to make up an unexpected shortfall, and leave a bit of breathing room if there are any more unexpected costs.
More than $3.8 million in funding was approved for the project at the beginning of this year. However, aaccording to the staff report, global pricing for PVC pipes has increased since the original cost estimate for the project in 2023. The project “also requires archaeological assessments and associated permits,” but costs have mainly gone up because the work will require “special provisions” to deal with the soil and groundwater in the project area that has been “classified as contaminated.”
During the meeting, city staff confirmed the contamination was mostly caused by gas stations which have come and gone in the Campbellton area over the years, requiring the soil to be removed, taken off-site, and treated before disposal.
The additional funding will come from the Sewer Reserve fund, and will allow for project funding in 2027 and 2028 to be significantly reduced.
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