INNISFAIL – The town’s water-delivery system is in sound condition and unforeseen events, such as the recent catastrophic water main rupture in Calgary, are being mitigated by its asset management system.
Todd Becker, chief administrative officer for the Town of Innisfail, told the Albertan that while the town does experience water breaks “now and again” staff has a “strong understanding” on the condition of its utilities.
“Unforeseen situations can pop up, but we do have a strong understanding of our main lines, the year and the make, and they are maintained,” he said.
Becker, who was on a brief holiday when Calgary’s feeder water main ruptured on June 5, said the news did not create any concern in Innisfail.
“There was like a light discussion in response to what was happening in Calgary, but it did not initiate further dialogue or urgent emergency review of our systems,” said Becker, noting Innisfail’s water system is independent of the one in Calgary. “The town has been really proactive in having significant annual investment in the core service infrastructure; water, sewer, and with that roads. We're really cognizant.
“That's why we're driving asset management, and we're a leader in that area of asset management; understanding what our current situation is and investing properly and to the greatest needs of the infrastructure.”
Mayor Jean Barclay also praised the efficiency of the town’s asset management program, but remains displeased with provincial infrastructure funding under the new Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) program.
And if an unforeseen catastrophic event should occur within the town’s water-delivery system, there is limited financial resources or opportunities to draw from to either fix or replace the problematic infrastructure.
“Our LGFF is 43 per cent below what it was in 2011 adjusted for inflation. So, it's really difficult to continue to stay up to date when you're struggling with funding,” said Barclay. “We were receiving approximately $1.1 million this year from LGFF funding, and that's barely enough to cover one capital project, the sanitary forcemain, let alone everything else.
“We've got sidewalks and roads and water and wastewater and parks and trails, and so there's a huge burden on municipalities,” added the mayor.
“Certainly, Alberta Municipalities has been advocating very strongly on our behalf that it (LGFF) is missing the mark by a significant amount.”
