By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Officials christen North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System

May 4, 2018 | 3:35 PM

Dignitaries gathered today in Lacombe to officially open the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System.

Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation, were on hand for the commissioning ceremony. Joining them were Grant Creasey, mayor of Lacombe, Richard Poole, mayor of Blackfalds, Paula Law, reeve of Lacombe County and Tara Veer, mayor of Red Deer.

The new wastewater transmission system connects the communities of Lacombe, Blackfalds and Lacombe County to the wastewater treatment facility in Red Deer with a 28-kilometre pipeline. The new system also includes two major lift stations, emergency storage reservoirs and odour management measures.

Officials say the project addresses the region’s critical wastewater needs, helping safeguard the health and well-being of central Alberta residents while meeting current federal and provincial wastewater regulations and protect local waterways and ecosystems.

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The federal government contributed approximately $29.8 million to this project under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. The province provided approximately $33.2 million, and the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission covered the rest, including a small contribution from the City of Red Deer for future Red Deer wastewater flows.

“We appreciate the support provided by the Government of Canada and the Alberta Government to make this regional system and vital infrastructure project a reality,” said Ken Wigmore, chair of the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission. “This regional wastewater line not only provides for much needed long-term sustainability in addressing the critical wastewater needs in Central Alberta, but also supports the continued growth of the City of Lacombe, Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County.”

The $71-million project broke ground in spring 2017 and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. It has been up and running since April 12.

(With file from Government of Alberta media release)