M.D. updated on status of infrastructure projects

By Rob Vogt
The Municipal District of Willow Creek continues to work on several infrastructure projects throughout the municipality, including roads, airport improvements, and more.
At M.D. council’s June 28 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 80 per cent complete with construction expected to be complete by early August. Phase 2 has been approved and a grant extension will be requested with the next report.

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 80 per cent complete with a second draft of the plan reviewed and edits required to complete.

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 80 per cent complete, and construction is under way with topsoil finishing remaining.

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 100 percent complete, with a five-metre land purchase remaining.

Airport stormwater system – Phase 2 – study
This project involves engineering and regulatory approvals for large-scale drainage improvements to Willow Creek to protect current and future development with appropriate stormwater management.
The project, budgeted for $35,000 from municipal reserves, is 40 per cent complete, with engineering under way.

Moon River Estates water pump/motor replacements
This project involves the replacement of raw and potable water pumps and motors, meter installation and other work, to replace end-of-life infrastructure components.
The project, budgeted for $185,000 from municipal reserves, is 60 per cent complete, with a quotation site meeting held, contractors procured, and work scheduled for October.

Granum public works compound expansion and fencing
This project involves the purchase of an adjacent lot, minor lot grading, and fencing for future planning for potential service growth.
The project, budgeted for $100,000 from Granum land sale reserves, is 50 per cent complete, with land purchased and possession taken in June.

Claresholm Industrial Area lot servicing
This project involves the subdivision and servicing of eight lots in the Claresholm Industrial Area east of Highway 520 with the goal to service and sell the lots.
The project, budgeted for $150,000 from airport reserves, is 30 per cent complete, with a contractor secured and construction expected in the fall.

Claresholm Industrial Area lot sanitary sewer renewal
This project involves the lining of sanitary sewer mains and re-configuration or replacement of manholes to renew end-of-life infrastructure components.
The project, budgeted for $350,000 from reserves, is 60 per cent complete, and awarded to the low bid. It is a two-year program totalling $8525,000.

Granum sidewalk replacement on First Avenue
This project involves the replacement of existing end-of-life sidewalk on First Avenue.
The project, budgeted for $100,000 from federal gas tax funding, is 40 per cent complete, with an increased scope to include sidewalks along Dufferin Street and a contractor procured.

Granum surfacing works on Grey Street
This project involves the replacement of existing end-of-life road and curb and gutter on Grey Street.
The project, budgeted for $210,000 from Granum special tax funding, is 40 per cent complete, with a contractor procured.

Granum industrial area waterline loop and sanitary sewer extension
This project involves looping of a potable waterline with servicing, sanitary sewer servicing and road build to enhance water quality, water for fire flow, and the service and sale of three lots.
The project, budgeted for $675,000 from Granum reserves, is 50 per cent complete, and construction expected to begin on July 10.

Claresholm shop improvements
This project involves construction of three office spaces and a washroom in the main shop mezzanine.
The project, budgeted for $100,000 from building reserves, is 10 per cent complete, with preliminary work under way. Two public works staff and one agricultural service board staff member will move to the new office space.