Wembley water pipeline construction to begin in spring

Dec 15, 2017 | 11:43 AM

It has been in the works for more than seven years — a pipeline that will carry water from the City of Grande Prairie to the Town of Wembley.

The Right of Way land acquisition has been approved and tender for construction will go out in mid-February. Construction is set to begin on the structure in April 2018.

Chris Turnmire, mayor of Wembley explains what the new infrastructure will mean for the town.

“It will certainly aid in the growth to the north and around the museum in terms of being able to provide water to that development. It just takes pressure off our existing water system and it will be a long-term water solution for Wembley,” said Turnmire.

Right now, the residents get water from aquifers and wells. Turnmire says the older system can play out and leave people stuck without water.

The pipeline conversation has been alive since just before Turnmire became mayor in 2010. He says it is exciting to have a completion date set for March 2019. It is anticipated that the pipeline will be hooked up the water treatment plant by then.

There are plans for hook-ups to surrounding communities to provide water to them as well.

People may eventually notice construction down Range Range 712. The pipeline will connect into the west part of town.

Associated Engineering, the Government of Alberta, Village of Hythe, Town of Beaverlodge, County of Grande Prairie, Aquatera Utilities, and the City of Grande Prairie are involved in the planning.

by Justine Kelsie