M.D. of Willow Creek council updated on status of capital projects

By Rob Vogt – Local Press Writer
The Municipal District of Willow Creek continues to work on several infrastructure projects throughout the municipality, including roads, airport improvements, and more.
At council’s Oct. 26 meeting, Craig Pittman, the M.D.’s director of infrastructure, outlined the projects as follows:
Granum stormwater management
This project involves designing and constructing drainage improvements in Granum and surrounding area to add resiliency to the community as historic flooding occurs.
The project, budgeted for $1,614,000 from provincial funding, is 50 per cent complete with easements being gained and advertising of a request for prequalification and tender in early 2023.
A Water Act application submitted to Alberta Environment and Parks has been approved.
Granum tri-services facility
This project involves construction of a building to combine three services in one facility.
The project, budgeted for $1.6 million with $100,000 from the Municipal Stimulus Program, $350,000 from transitional funding, $500,000 from the proceeds of insurance from the damaged building this one replaces, and $650,000 from a debenture, is complete. An occupancy permit has been issued with no outstanding deficiencies, and fencing around the fire training area is complete.
Transportation master plan
This project involves updating a planning document to guide the M.D.’s actions and investment into transportation infrastructure.
The project, which is budgeted for $100,000 from the municipal budget, is 20 per cent complete with traffic counts continuing and a draft report expected in November.
Airport stormwater system – Phase 1
This project involves engineering and maintenance of the stormwater system to protect the airport from flooding.
The project, budgeted for $250,000 from the municipal budget, is 50 per cent complete, procurement is under way and quotes currently being gained, with Phase 1 construction in late 2022.
Airport perimeter fencing and signage
This project involves supplying and installing perimeter fencing and gates to secure the airport from accidental access.
The project, budgeted for $150,000 from the municipal budget, is 90 per cent complete. The fencing is complete with signage ordered and installed upon arrival.
Granum sanitary sewer renewal
This project involves replacing failing sanitary sewer main and manholes in the laneway south of Grey Street, Lansdowne Street, and Dufferin Street. The goal is to replace end-of-life infrastructure and increase water flow rates.
The project, budgeted for $700,000 from a transition grant, is complete.
Range Road 254 rebuild
This project involves rebuilding Range Road 254 from 800 metres north of Township Road 120 for one mile to better accommodate traffic.
The project, budgeted for $300,000 from provincial funding, is 100 percent complete.
Township Road 122 rebuild
This project involves rebuilding Township Road 122 from Highway 2 to Highway 520 to accommodate future base and paving work.
The project, budgeted for $1,125,00 from provincial funding, is 80 percent complete, with construction under way.
Pittman also discussed some other projects under way.
A draft of a water study for Moon River Estates east of Fort Macleod has been received, with a survey under way, an open house tentatively set for Nov. 21, the survey completed Nov. 30, and a report to council set for mid-December.
Tree maintenance in Granum is complete. Pittman noted it was just in time for the storm that hit, so not many branches were lying around.
The Town of Claresholm has taken a camera to the sanitary sewer lines in the Claresholm Industrial Airport area and Pittman said it looks like they are suitable to be lined.
It also appears the floor plan for the Nanton Medical Centre is looking to be finalized.
Pittman concluded by announcing the M.D. will be hiring an infrastructure technician to assist him, and the job has been offered to a candidate.