New wastewater system up and running in north-central Alberta

Federal, Provincial and municipal government officials were on hand for  a recent commissioning ceremony for the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater System.

The $71-million project broke ground in spring 2017 and was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The system follows a similar model to the award-winning South Red Deer Regional Wastewater System developed for communities in central Alberta with engineering design conducted by Stantec.

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-km pipeline. The new system also includes two major lift stations, emergency storage reservoirs and odour management measures.

The project addresses the region’s wastewater needs, helping safeguard the health and well-being of central-Alberta residents. It will also allow the participating communities to meet current federal and provincial wastewater regulations, and help protect local waterways and ecosystems.

“I am pleased to celebrate the completion of this important wastewater system, which will ensure the communities of Lacombe, Blackfalds and Lacombe County have access to reliable and efficient services that safeguard the health and well-being of residents,” said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in a media release.

“It is with much anticipation and excitement that the Town of Blackfalds joins our municipal neighbors in announcing the opening of this crucial infrastructure project. The Town of Blackfalds is pleased to be part of a commission that, with the help of the City of Red Deer, will continue to meet provincial standards and stringent environmental regulations in Canada. Thank you to all involved in the North Red Deer Regional Waste Water Commission and to the Provincial and Federal Governments who committed 90% of the required funding for this important project,” said Richard Poole, Mayor of the Town of Blackfalds and NRDRWWSC Director.

The government of Canada contributed approximately $29.8 million to the project, while the government of Alberta provided approximately $33.2 million, and the North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Services Commission covered the remaining costs (including a small contribution from the City of Red Deer for future Red Deer wastewater flows).