City council will spend an extra $2.9 million for a new Calgary to Airdrie water line.
Council endorsed the recommendation of the Finance Advisory Committee to amend the 2012 capital budget to increase funding for the project, March 19.
About $2 million of the funds will come from the City’s Water Offsite Reserve and $900,000 will be borrowed.
The approved capital construction budget for the water supply line project was $8.76 million. The lowest tender for the project came in at $11.8 million.
“The intention of the project is to get a third water supply main between Calgary and Airdrie,” said Bob Neale, team leader of engineering services.
“The primary driver was the need to ensure the security of water supply for the community.”
Currently, the City has two water supply lines – a 900-mm diameter line and a 350-mm diameter line. According to Neale, if the 900-mm line were to experience a leak or rupture, the 350-mm line could only supply about half of the city. Both lines are in excess of 30 years old. With the new 600-mm water main, the City will have access to water for up to 70,000 people.
The extra costs are attributed to road repair and power pole bracing; power line relocation; inflation; land access costs; a water meter chamber; increased highway crossing costs; and a booster pump station.
The new water supply line will be funded by offsite levies.
“The project does not have any impact on ratepayers,” he said.
Alderman Allan Hunter said he was concerned about the fact the water meter chamber will belong to Calgary and be paid for by Airdrie.
“I get that the big dog’s got the stick,” he said.
Lorne Stevens, director of community infrastructure, said Calgary is allowing access to their water line and they need a place to install a meter.
“We have had a lengthy discussion with Calgary and this line includes many things that are to our advantage,” he said.
“To place all the focus on this chamber would overlook the other issues we have dealt with successfully.”
Hunter said he struggles with the chamber ownership.
“I am having trouble with this being a good neighbour relationship,” he said.
“We are part of a partnership but we have no choice. It is what it is. We are paying for the capital cost and paying for it on our water bill.”
Alderman Murray Buchanan said, unfortunately, Airdrie doesn’t have any choice.
“If we ever had a problem with the 900-mm line, we would have a serious problem,” he said. “It is truly needed. I am concerned about the extra money being spent on the water meter but if Calgary paid for it, they would put the cost in the rate, so I think this is a good deal.
“New homes are paying to keep up with water demand of the city and I think that’s appropriate.”
