Richard Froese
South Peace News

Big Lakes County has taken steps to find federal funding to recover costs from a water main near Kinuso that disrupted service for four weeks last summer.

At its regular meeting Dec 11, council approved a recommendation that council apply for funding from the Canada Community Building Fund program.

Total cost of repairs is $104,724.59, which does not include staff labour costs, Ben Letemplier, director of public works, told council.

Council discussed the water main break at its committee-of-the-whole meeting Dec. 11 before the regular council meeting.

“Now we need to know where the money will come from,” CAO David Reynolds said during the regular council meeting.

A water main break on the Swan River was reported July 27 and was repaired and back in service Aug. 29.

“These costs will be applied to grant funding under the Canada Community Building Fund program instead of a request to have the funds transferred from reserves,” Letemplier said.

The water main break affected the hamlet of Kinuso, Swan River First Nation and the Kinuso Rural Water Co-op, covering areas along Highway 2, south from Range Rd. 104 to Prichuk Hill and south along Highway 33.

It was first noticed when the Kinuso water treatment plant lost complete water pressure.

Letemplier also recommends the county install Starlink at the Kinuso water treatment plant to support the auto-dialer for emergency callouts. It was completed.

On July 27, the auto-dialer failed to work due to poor cellular service in the Kinuso area and as a result, the plant did not warn staff that the water level dropped in the plant due to the water main break.

-Review and update existing Big Lakes emergency response plans for high-risk areas, identify items such as materials and equipment required to take corrective actions for emergency occurrences.

“It is not practical to have a repair in place for everything, but be aware of existing materials needed and identify resources to obtain goods and services when required,” Letemplier says.

-Identify all high-risk areas within Big Lakes fore each department.

Then apply each scenario to the emergency response plans

Review the plans semi-annually for employee education and update reviews.

-Improve communication.

Utilize social media and communication channels to quickly and clearly communicate with residents and businesses.

Develop a clear communication procedure model to provide information to those who require updates and information.

Letemplier also recommends the county buy two portable digital sign boards with utility trailers to place on the roadway.

“Signage will assist in providing notices, updates and emergency contact information during an event,” Letemplier says.

“Due to the large footprint and lack of cellular and Internet services available in within some ares of Big Lakes, I recognize we are not able to reach all our intended audience effectively, which has created a level of miscommunication.”

He says further work is required to improve community communication during incidents that result in a loss of municipal services.