Price going up again on wastewater line twinning

The twinning of the wastewater line, better known as the Hwy. 22-Riverview syphon, is going to cost more than the $6.67 million budgeted.

Pinky De La Cruz, town director of engineering and asset services, told town council during its committee-of-the-whole meeting last week the exact amount hadn't been determined but will come forward at a future meeting.

During construction, additional hydrovacing was required to expose the existing deep and shallow utilities during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to reduce risks. Different pipe material from record drawings were uncovered that required the installation of additional pipe components, and increased pipe lengths were installed during HDD to reduce conflicts with adjacent existing utilities.

Drew Hyndman, executive director of Development and Infrastructure Services, said they want the additional amount required to be accurate. 

"We're working through those details, and I'd hope to bring it as part of the presentation this evening, but we just want to get that information clear because the message that we have shared and been very clear on is that we wanted to come to council once with the final number without coming back another time,"

Exactly how the town intends to fund the overrun wasn't detailed, other than the entire cost will be recovered through off-site levies.

Last summer, borrowing for the project jumped 38 per cent to $7.1 million even before shovel hits the ground. Town council originally approved borrowing $5.151 million. After the bids came in, an additional $1.519 million was required.

READ MORE: Riverview syphon project cost jumps 38%

This project is targeted for completion this summer, with about 85 per cent of the pipeline installation completed. Remaining work includes the completion of sewer pipe installation on Riverfront Park; construction of a maintenance manhole and flushing of the existing syphon; commissioning of the new syphon; and the remediation of landscaping and pathway on Riverfront Park.

Some pathway detours, and partial parking lot closures remain in place to ensure public safety. The disc golf course also has limited access.

It's not the only town capital project requiring additional funds.

Due to changes in the scope of the Historic Ranche and Glenbow pathway improvements, town administration is requesting an additional $619,210.75. The increased budget is due to adjustments in project timelines, compliance requirements with the Historical Resources Act, and inflationary factors.

Council is expected to deliberate on the matter at its Apr. 22 meeting.