The Town of Blackfalds has received $2.3 million from the Alberta government’s Local Growth and Sustainability Grant to support a major water infrastructure project.
Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams announced the funding on July 15, alongside Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd, Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Jennifer Johnson, and Blackfalds Mayor Jamie Hoover.
The grant will support the Broadway Reservoir Expansion Project, which was initiated in late 2022 following discussions with Lacombe County about water and sewer servicing limitations for the Aspelund Industrial Area.
The project includes the construction of a 6,500-cubic-metre underground water tank and pump system upgrades. It is designed to accommodate growth for a population of up to 20,000 and ensure sufficient water supply for both daily use and fire protection in Blackfalds and the surrounding industrial area.
The full project is expected to cost approximately $7.8 million, split between two contracts. Contract 1, currently underway by Timcon, involves construction of the tank, while Contract 2, still in the design phase, will focus on pump system upgrades.
After the provincial grant is applied, the remaining cost will be shared by the Town of Blackfalds (59 per cent) and Lacombe County (41 per cent).
“While water infrastructure isn’t necessarily flashy, it’s absolutely essential to a thriving community,” said Mayor Jamie Hoover. “This expansion secures our capacity for growth and shows what’s possible when municipalities and the province work together.”
** With information from the Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County.
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