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

By Rob Vogt
The Municipal District of Willow Creek continues to work on several capital projects throughout the municipality, including roads, bridges, and more.
At M.D. council’s Feb. 25 meeting, council was updated by Craig Pittman, the M.D.’s director of infrastructure, as follows:
Moon River Estates two new water wells
This project involves the replacement of two groundwater wells, which are at end of life, to minimize the risk of service outages.
The project, budgeted for $175,000 from municipal reserves, is 70 per cent complete.
The wells have been drilled and tested, and the M.D. has completed a water licence amendment with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
Construction was to begin on Feb. 25.
Bridge File 963
The bridge at Range Road 27-4 southwest of Claresholm will be replaced.
The project, budgeted for $6,392,100 from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and the municipal budget, is 30 percent complete.
Construction is to begin in the fall/winter of 2026.
Claresholm airport – cross strip renewal
This project involves the renewal of a runway at the Claresholm airport with crack treatment, minor base repair, surface sealing and pavement marking to prepare the runway for re-activation.
The project, budgeted for $305,400 from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and the municipal budget, is 10 percent complete.
It was noted the cross strip will not have lighting, is day use only, and has a 50-feet width.
Range Road 263 widening
This project involves widening the existing paved road Range Road 263 and extending the pavement north of Township Road 92 for 825 metres. The widening is needed to support frequent heavy traffic.
The project, budgeted for $768,000 from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, municipal budget and a private contribution, is 30 percent complete.
Range Road 241 renewal
This project involves spot repairs and asphalt overlay for Range Road 241 from Moon River Estates to Highway 3, to extend the useful life of the road surface.
The project, budgeted for $1,200,000 from the municipal budget, is 20 percent complete.
The tender is expected in mid-March.
Claresholm airport main runway lighting
This project involves replacement of the existing runway lights, beacon light, windsock and pilot-controlled lighting system, to replace end-of-life infrastructure and minimize risk of service outages.
The project, budgeted for $600,000 from the municipal budget, is 20 percent complete.
Nanton health centre renewal and expansion
This project involves renewal of the existing building and expansion.
The project, budgeted for $1,930,000 from the municipal budget, is 40 percent complete.
The committee looking after the project is awaiting a response/decision from the province, with the budget amount based on receiving a grant.
The project will not proceed until a response from the province is received.
Granum surfacing work
This project involves renewal of Railway Avenue south of Lansdowne Street by excavating the road, stabilizing the base, and adding granular base and asphalt, to replace end-of-life infrastructure.
The project, budgeted for $175,000 from a Granum special tax, is 20 percent complete.
Granum utility replacements
This project involves replacement of two fire hydrants and valves and rebuilding a main lift station pump, to replace end-of-life infrastructure and minimize risk of service outages.
The project, budgeted for $75,000 from a Granum special tax, is 40 percent complete.
Facility assessments
This project creates baseline reports to effectively manage assets.
The project, budgeted for $70,000 from the municipal budget, is just starting its third year of the three-year project. Two-thirds of the facilities have already been completed.