Left to right: Steve Irving (project manager), Teresa Hanson (PARWU assistant manager), and Eric Schmalz (Reeve of P.A. and vice-chair of PARWU board). (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

‘I’m really interested’: residents share thoughts on proposed rural water treatment plant

Oct 20, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Residents in rural communities around Prince Albert got the chance to share their thoughts on the proposed regional water treatment plant.

Prince Albert Rural Water Utility (PARWU) held two open houses, one in Shellbrook and the second in P.A., where they went over the project with those who may have concerns or want to provide feedback.

The project aims to provide a reliable and safe water source for several communities including Buckland, Lakeland, Christopher Lake, and Shellbrook.

Maurice Chalifour, who lives in Buckland and attended the P.A. open house, told paNOW he wants to see the project move forward.

“We have our own well which needs maintenance, so I’m really interested in this.”

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He noted his well has always provided clean drinking water, however, it needs a lot of attention. PARWU explained the water these communities currently use comes from underground and is full of minerals that can have a negative impact on the home’s infrastructure, forcing people to repair it every few years.

Teresa Hanson, PARWU assistant manager, noted most comments they’ve received from the public have been positive. The one concern that some have brought up is the potential for rising water rates.

“Rates are a moving target at this point,” she said, explaining there are a lot of variables that will decide what each person will pay including grant funding.

Chalifour explained he’d be okay with paying a bit more.

“It depends on what a little bit is,” he chuckled. “I expect there will be an increase, but I hope not too large.”

Not everyone is currently in favour of the project.

Laurenda Schofield, who also lives in Buckland and attended the P.A. open house, noted she has a lot of questions that need to be answered before she puts her support behind the project.

Her main issue is the exact reason why it’s needed.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure… my well water is really good.”

The project is still not a sure thing. The cost has continued to rise, currently sitting around $80 million.

PARWU is planning to apply for a new ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) grant which would help cover around one-third of the cost.

“We’re working on other plans if this doesn’t work out, but we’re hopeful this will be the answer,” added Eric Schmalz, the Reeve for the RM of P.A. and vice-chair of PARWU’s board.

In an ideal world, PARWU would like to see construction start on the plant by next summer and finish in roughly two years.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow