By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: May 12, 2012
The District of Squamish plans to replace three water pipes this year as part of its infrastructure replacement program.
These pipes are at the end of their life cycle, and have had failures in recent years, said Mayor Rob Kirkham.
The three water mains are located on Judd Road, Garibaldi Highlands and in Valleycliffe. The road from Judd to Lawson is considered as one of the roads slated for a new pipe.
BOATA and other Brackendale residents have been vocal about the impact of the town’s crumbling infrastructure on the neighbourhood, especially as new developments like Rivendale are passed by the district.
Mayor Kirkham said the engineering work on these three water mains is underway and construction will start at the end of the summer.
He said there may be brief disruptions to water supply to individual properties, but fire protection will be maintained throughout the construction period.
“The district will advise all residents and businesses that may be impacted by the construction works,” he said.
“The proposed works are described in our Infrastructure Asset Management Plan and the budget has been approved by council,” he remarked.
The asset management plan, received by the district last year, assesses the district’s infrastructure.
The report did a detailed engineering study of the quantity, condition, value, function, cost and risk associated with all the components of public works infrastructure.
Based on the report, the district anticipates major asset replacement project between 2011 and 2040.
The report found that 70 per cent of the water and sewer piping is composed of asbestos cement (AC), which has a shorter expected lifespan than other materials.
There are 2-4 water reservoirs that will need refurbishment or replacement. Most of the sewage lift stations also require replacement.
Replacement is also needed for wastewater treatment plant equipment, process piping and electrical.
Two bridges over the Cheakamus River, four dyke pump stations, and further, roads, sidewalks, streetlights, signs, dykes and parks assets will need replacement and rehabilitation on an ongoing basis.
