Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

Includes Booster Station

Aquatera officially opens bulk water station near Dimsdale

Aug 26, 2020 | 5:27 PM

Aquatera has officially cut the ribbon and opened its doors to a new Bulk Water Station located near Dimsdale along Range Road 73.

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday and was attended by several dignitaries, including Aquatera CEO Vaughn Bend, Reeve of the County of Grande Prairie Leanne Beaupre and Member of Parliament for Grande Prairie-Mackenzie, Chris Warkentin.

The new station officially began operation on August 5 and operates 24/7 for anyone who needs access to clean water.

In addition to the bulk water station, a booster station is also located at this site which allows Aquatera to provide water to the Town of Wembley.

The bulk water station is also equipped with credit card access, adequate queuing for trucks, increased outlets to improve fill time and a heated concrete pad for when it gets cold in the winter.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

According to Aquatera CEO Vaughn Bend, this project was in the works for the last 10 years, and it will help the community benefit for many years to come.

“I think that what we’re seeing is that water really drives development in the region, particularly now in times of economic challenges. People want to live in these areas and one of the major drivers for folks to settle is the access to water, so it’s very important.”

With the addition of a booster station, water pipes were laid in the ground for potential future expansion.

“Part of the plan for the water to the west was to oversize the transmission line. Wembley was the first step, Beaverlodge is next and then Hythe is on the list as well, and we might even push further out west.”

Bend says that he expects between 15,000-20,000 people will use the water station per year.

Reeve for the County of Grande Prairie, Leanne Beaupre says this new facility is a great addition to the community.

“It really provides a sense of safe and reliable drinking water for those in the area, and for those looking to come and get bulk water instead of having to go into the City of Grande Prairie to get it.”

“This is kind of like the backbone. The backbone’s here now and we can expand the waterline further west to some of the other communities when funding becomes available. The Dimsdale area has grown over the years and likely will continue now with some of the water lines that are going to be available for hook up in the future.”

The project was built in collaboration with the County of Grande Prairie. The County put $200,000 towards the bulk water station, which was used for paving around the water station.

MP for Grande Prairie-Mackenzie Chris Warkenten was also commented on the benefits of the new station.

“The infrastructure that’s being laid here with the booster stations and water lines to Wembley had been built with the expectation that there will be expansion over time as these communities grow and as this line is potentially going to other communities in the County. There’s been a lot of long term thinking, building infrastructure that could grow.”

The County of Grande Prairie contributed $1.1 million for the transmission line oversizing and $450,000 for the construction of the booster station. The overall cost of the booster station was $2.75 million.