By Spencer Sterritt

UPDATE: City says relationship with Husky Energy has “turned a page”

Jul 28, 2016 | 5:01 PM

After several tense days, administrators from the city of Prince Albert said their relationship with Husky Energy, who are responsible for the oil spill which forced the city to declare a state of emergency, has improved.

City manager Jim Toye said today was “a real turning of the page for us with Husky and our relationship,” during a press conference at City Hall today, July 28.

Toye cited Husky sending representatives and insurance officials to survey the city as the reason for the improved rapport between the two.

“It’s great to have somebody on site. Late yesterday we were on a conference call with the president of Husky…and the number one water specialist in the world who will be in the city to assist us. We’re very pleased to see their participation,” Toye said.

By end of day tomorrow, Toye said the two pipelines pumping water into P.A.’s water treatment plan should be operational. The main pipeline taking water from the South Saskatchewan River needs only a few more pumps connected and the smaller pipeline from the Spruce River is awaiting water testing.

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“There are a couple conditions on that,” he said, such as water quality and quantity. “We’re fairly confident from what we’ve seen so far those are going to be two great additions to our water supply.”

Toye said there’s enough water in the water retention pond to last until Monday.

However, if the pipelines are not complete by Friday, Toye said it could be a “dire day” in P.A. if the town runs dry.

The P.A. Rural Water Utility is still dry after the city suddenly shut off their water on Sunday.

Toye said though water is available in P.A., there is a certain amount of water the city needs before they can ensure a steady supply to rural residents.

“What we don’t want to do is provide them service for two days and then have to stop again,” he said.

Toye said the rural water utility was working on “innovative” techniques to receive water, but couldn’t comment on what those techniques were.

Husky Energy officials in the city were not present at the press conference. Toye said it’s possible they will attend tomorrow’s conference.

In the meantime, the insurance claim process can now begin for residents and businesses impacted by the oil spill.

Husky Energy has provided a toll-free line by their third party insurance agent. The lines will be staffed by a team to assist with questions and to help people through their claims process. The toll free number is 1-844-461-7991. They can also be reached by email at info@braemar.com

ssterritt@panow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit

— Editor’s note: This story was edited on Friday, July 29 at 11:58 a.m. to correct an error. The original email link provided by the city said info@braemer.com.  The city has since issued a correction, clarifying the email to be info@braemar.com.