Lower Priority Tasks May Experience Delays
PRINCE RUPERT, JULY 27th, 2023 – City crews and contractors are working round the clock these past few weeks repairing failing infrastructure, with the majority of staff resources deployed in responding to major water breaks. There are currently multiple watermain and service breaks active, and just overnight, three more calls for service breaks were received. Given the advanced number of breaks relative to past years, response times to non-emergency requests may be delayed.
“Unfortunately, the state of our infrastructure is continuing to decline,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “We are poised to find out in the Fall whether all of the funds we’ve requested from the Federal Government and our own borrowing will be approved. From there, it’s all hands on deck for the next three years to replace failing water pipes, as well as the old sewer pipes that run alongside them.”
It should be noted that while the City awaits news on the funds needed to complete the full scope of work to replace failing infrastructure, crews and our contractors are continuing the work started in December on interim repairs in high risk areas. Unfortunately, some of this work is understood to be contributing to this uptick in breaks. Recent changes in the water flow from rerouting around Crestview have resulted in unexpected pressure fluctuations throughout town, leading to breaks and leaks in areas with vulnerable piping.
The work on Crestview is at the point where our water supply connects to the community’s Montreal Circle Reservoir – which is why this work is having more significant impacts than an average construction project.
As evidenced by ongoing break patterns, our system is failing and this work can no longer be delayed. Every effort is being made to obtain all resourcing necessary to replace our priority pipes, and secure our infrastructure for generations to come. In the interim, we must prioritize water service restoration, leak repairs, and water quality, which means other tasks may be delayed while we manage these priorities.
We are also committed to keeping residents updated on our infrastructure condition, and look forward to sharing more information with you in the Fall about the status of funding and project schedules.
Thank you to the community in advance for your patience and understanding as we work together to make this generational investment in Prince Rupert.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca