Village of Chase administrative officer Joni Heinrich gave an update recently on village projects in the works.
Public works supervisor Pat Regush says one project in particular which has been years in the planning is the water treatment plant.
The long-awaited approval of the Screening Level Environmental Assessment report that Western Economic Diversification, the federal funding partner, required for the well portion of the project, has been received.
This is considered by staff a big step toward funding the project.
Originally, water was going to be taken only from the river and treated, but it was deemed important by the village that it should also be able to access water via a well that draws water from an aquifer in case the surface water source were at risk.
Because of the scope change between the two intake systems, the federal government required preparation of a screening level environmental assessment report.
The well would have to be approved and drilled before the plant itself could be constructed.
With approval on the federal side, village engineers are moving ahead getting quotes for well drilling and finalizing the design of the plant.
Manufacturing the components which make up the membrane part of the plant requires a lot of lead time prior to placement in a newly constructed building.
Tender documents will be prepared for the construction of building.
Free WiFi?
A proposal for the village to provide free WiFi in both Memorial and Centennial parks was considered by council. It was agreed, with staff’s recommendation, that more than one quote should be sought for the service.
More research is required to determine whether the provision of the service would be a significant contribution to bringing more people into the community.
Cottonwood Street
Council wishes to proceed with upgrades to Cottonwood Street; however, due to the expense of upgrades estimated at more than $700,000, funding must be planned.
If council wishes to proceed in 2013, the village will have to borrow funds to pay for the project.
It’s considered an important project for a couple of reasons, as increasing the size of the water lines on Cottonwood will ensure better water flow for fire fighting if a major fire were to occur at either of the schools.
In addition, it is the intention of the village to install a sidewalk on one side of Cottonwood for children walking to and from school.
Proper storm water management would be installed (underground pipes), in addition to the sidewalks, with repaving also a necessity.
Council will be discussing this project again in September to see if there is still the appetite for borrowing the funds to proceed with the project in 2013. Elector approval would have to be sought to borrow substantial funds to be repaid over a long term.
Beach volleyball
Cost estimates for beach volleyball continue to come in. It is likely that the costs would prevent the project from being done in 2012, and that it will be deferred to council’s 2013 budget deliberations.
Community hall
The village has applied for a $439,000 grant through the Gas Tax Agreement’s General Strategic Priorities Fund.
The funding will be needed to upgrade Chase Community Hall to current standards. An application decision is expected this September after the Union of BC Municipalities conference.
In the meantime, council had budgeted some funds in 2012 for small upgrades to the hall.
Staff is gathering quotes on various small projects such as lighting upgrades, exterior doors, flooring in the downstairs kitchen and one other meeting room.
