The City of Cranbrook has been awarded $9.5 million in funding that will be used for the new Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility, which will provided another layer of surface water treatment for the municipal water supply.
The federal government is contributing $5.19 million, while the B.C. government is providing $4.32 million. The City of Cranbrook will also have a contribution of $3.46 million that will go towards the $12.99 million project.
“On World Water Day, we reflect on the significance of access to clean and safe water supply and sustainable water treatment management. To support healthy communities and protect ecosystems, we must prioritize upgrades and maintenance of clean drinking water facilities and wastewater treatment systems,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“With funding allocated to 14 municipalities across B.C., efforts are underway to strengthen and expand their water systems. These initiatives aim to establish essential infrastructure, enabling British Columbians to meet their basic needs and empowering communities to tackle water-related challenges for generations to come.”
According to the city, the Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility will use an Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and liquid chlorine system to meet BC’s Drinking Water Treatment Objectives for Surface Water.
The objectives requires a two-treatment process for water systems that use surface water for supply, however, the city currently only has a single treatment system that relies on chlorine gas.
The existing system creates operational safety concerns and does not comply with the updated drinking water treatment objective recommendations for dual treatment.
“This is an important project that will further protect the City’s water quality and provide safe and clean drinking water for decades to come,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “We are thankful and grateful to be one of the communities selected in this $270-million ICIP grant program. Without partnership and supportive funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of BC, this project would have been difficult to accomplish.”
The new facility will be constructed just downstream from the current Phillips Dam and existing treatment system, ensuring the City’s compliance with drinking water treatment objective requirements.
While funding has been secured, the facility is in the early phases, with project design expected to begin sometime this year. The city says it will provide regular updates as the project progresses.