Title
Entwistle Water Loop West Highway 16 Interchange Project - 2026 Funding Request
Proposed Motion
1. That Council approve a $750,000 increase to the 2026 Entwistle Water Loop West Highway 16 Interchange Project funded by debt borrowing.
2. That Council approve a $750,000 decrease to the Entwistle Reservoir project and associated debt funding.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions, as presented. Approval of this funding enables Administration to proceed with construction of a critical water main crossing Highway 16 in Entwistle.
Purpose
To increase the approved budget for the Entwistle Water Loop West Highway 16 Interchange project by $750,000.
Summary
The revised cost estimate to construct the Entwistle Water Loop West Highway 16 Interchange project is $1,800,832. The original cost estimate and 2026 approved capital budget for the project is $1,235,000, resulting in a shortfall of $565,832. The Entwistle Reservoir project was completed under budget in 2025, resulting in $750,000 that will not be required to close out project. Administration is requesting to utilize the $750,000 on the Entwistle Water Loop West Highway 16 Interchange project to allow for construction to proceed in 2026. We are requesting the whole amount be reallocated to ensure funding is available for any change orders that may occur during construction.
The initial budget was established prior to completing design on the project. Administration has completed design and has a firm understanding of the deliverables and the estimated costs to complete. There are higher risk elements on this project that include drilling the waterline under Highway 16 and the CN Rail line that contributed to the cost increase and are included in the revised cost estimate.
Historical Information:
Entwistle currently has one water main crossing Highway 16 (constructed in 1986) to provide water to the North side of the Hamlet. This proposed water loop creates a secondary crossing, providing hydraulic benefit to the overall system and redundancy to continuously service the North in case of water main breaks or required maintenance.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Pillar A: Complete Communities: Goal A1: To ensure that County infrastructure meets the needs for residents, businesses, and industry.
Pillar B: Strategic Economic Diversification: We support the continuation and evolution of traditional economic activities, while pursuing new opportunities for diversified and sustainable growth.
Pillar D: Responsible Leadership: We maintain the public's trust through transparent and fair decision making, superior service delivery, and effective engagement.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $750,000
Source of Funding: Debt