DIDSBURY - The Butte water tower reservoir renovation project is nearing completion in Didsbury, with about 90 per cent of the planned work now completed.
In his monthly report to council, the town's chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner gave an update on the project.
Work on the exterior of the Butte standpipe – the large water tower on the town’s westside – has involved the sandblasting of the surface of the infrastructure and the use of a pneumatic scrabbler, a percussive tool that uses cutting heads to impact concrete, to remove detached and loose concrete.
“The project has experienced several issues over the past couple of weeks,” Gorner said. “The predominantly impacted area, visible from ground level, required considerably more work than anticipated. Initially, the project was to resurface the standpipe down to the reservoir.
“The scope was modified slightly to reduce the amount of excavation and the contractor was directed to focus their efforts on the visibly active areas.”
The project is now 90 per cent complete with respect to the contracted scope of work and budget allowance, he said.
“Although the project is nearing completion, the standpipe continues to weep at a few locations. At this time, the department has concluded that 100 per cent is not achievable without entering the reservoir.
“This means the standpipe will continue to weep, will require regularly monitoring during sub-zero temperatures, and will require ongoing, seasonal repairs.
The engineering and infrastructure department is planning to include operational funding for ongoing crack injections and cementitious applications in 2025-26, he said.
“The monitoring and repair work will continue until the new reservoir is online and services the community. This will permit us to isolate the facility and fully assess its potential.”
The Level 1 water restrictions and associated fire ban imposed when the Butte project got underway was officially lifted on Sept. 19.
CAO Gorner’s report also included an update on the government of Alberta’s online information session planned for authorized employers of peace officers to inform them of changes to law enforcement oversight that will apply to their organizations and their officers.
“Administration has been invited to an information session to learn more about these changes affecting peace officers and their employers,” said Gorner.
“Officials from the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services will be there to answer questions and hear perspectives on the changes.”
Council accepted Gorner’s report as information.
