Title
Development of a Regional Sanitary Sewer System with Lac Ste. Anne County
Proposed Motion
That Council direct Administration to work with Lac Ste. Anne County and other associated municipalities on the development of a regional wastewater commission.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Lac Ste. Anne County has been working on the development of a regional sanitary sewer system for the last few years and is formally reaching out to surrounding municipalities to determine their level of interest and commitment to forming a regional commission for the management of wastewater. The intent is to build a sanitary sewer network that connects into the existing Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission (ACRWC). This will be in place to help manage growing concerns with wastewater levels at a number of existing evaporation lagoons
Summary
Many municipalities in the region have developed and currently manage evaporative lagoons for their wastewater services. Some are functioning as intended but many of these lagoons are under performing, have reached their end of lifecycle, are undersized for current or future growth, or have other identified issues. A strategy being considered by Lac St Anne is the possibility of connecting the various systems that currently exist, or that are planned for near term development, into a sub-regional collection system and then connecting that system into the ACRWC system. This project will also provide opportunities for municipalities that do not currently have systems and are struggling with options available to manage their wastewater.
Funding for this initiative comes via Provincial grant dollars. Lac Ste. Anne County has secured funding for the conceptual phases of this initiative and is developing the strategy with or without Parkland County's engagement. Administration sees this as an opportunity to collaborate with our neighbouring communities and create a joint initiative to serve residents over the long term, both within and adjacent to our community.
Through this process, Administration will seek opportunities to connect our Hamlets that currently have wastewater systems; Entwistle, Tomahawk and Duffield, to the sub-regional system. It is not expected that this will occur in the short term but we will ensure there is opportunity available for connections when the timing for them is appropriate. The sub-regional system may also provide future connections to development opportunities, such as the Whitewood Mine area, and for existing recreational developments that have higher volumes of wastewater to manage. This is yet to be reviewed and confirmed.
As part of our commitment to participate with Lac Ste. Anne, greater detail will be developed to better understand what is possible in terms of service connections, funding availability, costs to complete, and other pertinent details to make a business case for this work to go forward. Prior to committing and finalizing the options, Administration will return to Council for approval. At present, Administration is only seeking direction to engage in meaningful conversations.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principle 1.1; We offer a range of lifestyle choices, community services, and other amenities to meet community needs.
Guiding Principle 1.2; We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, trails and technology.
Guiding Principle 3.2; We responsibly manage growth to protect our region's biodiversity and then natural environment, while supporting a balance of land uses and strategic development
Guiding Principle 4.1; We are recognized leaders in municipal governance managing our resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we leave a vibrant and resilient community legacy to those that follow us.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: n/a