The Town of Leader's new $1.9 million water storage tank, a crucial infrastructure project, is set to be completed by the end of October. Construction began in April, and progress has been steady. The new tank, painted in a modern regent gray to match the adjacent Water Treatment Plant, will soon become the town’s primary water storage facility, replacing the iconic yellow tank that has served the community for decades.
Once the new tank is operational, the old yellow tank, which has reached the end of its reliable service life, will be relocated to the minors as a secondary storage facility. The town will continue using it until it eventually retires.
Activity at the corner of Main Street and North Road Allowance has been buzzing as the new tank takes shape. The project addresses concerns over the aging tank's reliability, ensuring the town can maintain consistent water services without disruption.
Funding for the project was secured through various sources, including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant, which covers 73.33% of the $1.9 million cost. The grant amounts to $1.4 million, while the Town of Leader is responsible for the remaining $511,000. Town officials plan to use funds from utility reserves and municipal revenue sharing to cover the costs, but with additional utility projects slated for this year, a loan will be required to fund a portion of the expenses.
Town Council prioritized the new water tank as an essential upgrade to maintain the integrity of the town’s water supply system. Residents can expect the final touches, including metal cladding, to be completed by the end of October, marking the start of a new chapter in Leader's water infrastructure.