Title
West Inter Lake District (WILD) Water Commission - Phase 3
Proposed Motions
1. That Council support the decision of the West Inter Lake District Water Commission to pursue Phase 3; which includes an extension to the Summer Village of Seba Beach and the Hamlet of Entwistle.
2. That Council direct Administration to work with the West Inter Lake District Water Commission to determine an alignment for WILD Phase 3; which includes an extension to the Summer Village of Seba Beach and the Hamlet of Entwistle.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
This report is intended to confirm Parkland County Council supports motions made by the board of the West Inter Lake District (WILD) Water Commission. It is also intended to provide direction to Administration to work with the WILD Commission to determine alignment options that accommodate an extension of the existing system to the Summer Village of Seba Beach and the Hamlet of Entwistle.
Summary
The West Inter Lake District Water Commission (WILD) is a westerly and northerly extension of the Capital Region Parkland Water Services Commission (CRPWSC). The CRPWSC has been servicing Parkland County, City of Spruce Grove and Town of Stony Plain for well over 30 years and is the primary source of water for the tri-municipal area.
WILD completed Phase 1 in 2016 and initiated construction on Phase 2 in 2018. Both projects are or will soon be effectively servicing water customers through truck fill locations and direct services in communities with existing distribution systems. WILD recently committed to pursue an additional extension and as such, planning of Phase 3 has begun.
The motion put forward today is an opportunity for Parkland County Council to be aware of WILD’s forward movement on Phase 3 and to indicate their level of support. At this time, there are no anticipated costs to Parkland County, other than the time of Administration working with the Commission. Administration recommends that Council support this project going forward.
Initial planning on Phase 3 will include the determination of a proposed alignment. Once this has been determined and cost estimates have been development based on the proposed alignment, Administration could return to Council with additional information to seek additional direction.
Engineering Services has completed preliminary estimating for the project for Council to have a general appreciation of the size and magnitude of this initiative. The overall capital cost for Phase 3 is estimated at $20,000,000.00. An additional investment by Parkland County is required in Entwistle in the near term which may include replacement of aged infrastructure (water treatment facility, water reservoir and distribution system). Decisions related to existing infrastructure are independent of WILD Phase 3 however; a partnership with WILD may result in greater eligibility for grant funding and will help move improvements forward. The work in Entwistle is required in near term with or without Phase 3 moving forward.
Operational costs of the transmission system would be bourne by the WILD commission. A cost may be transferred to water users by the Commission to cover their costs of providing the service. Additional work to determine and further understand these cost implications will be completed and presented to Council once additional information is available.
As this is a multi-jurisdictional investment, the costs associated with capital construction would very likely qualify for grant funding at a 90/10 split; with the Province being the 90% portion and participating municipalities a proportionate share of the remaining 10%. As mentioned, a detailed review of the operational costs will be completed with the proposed alignment work.
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