Posted on 01/10/2009, 9:56 am, by The Dispatch

The RM of Tache has finally received the go-ahead to proceed with the construction of a major water project for Lorette.

The municipality is prepared to put the $5.3 million water distribution centre on the tendering block within the next month.

According to Reeve William Danylchuk, this is good news for the community of Lorette. For the past 4 years, residents have been living under a “boil water” advisory. The municipality anticipates lifting the advisory in 2009, even though some of the community will not be connected until 2010.

The project includes an upgrade of the water utility in the community through the enhancement of central infrastructure. This will include the establishment of a new source well into the sandstone aquifer, construction of a new pumping station, and a 1M litre underground storage reservoir to be constructed on site.

Central upgrades include the establishment of fire hydrant services and associated gate valves throughout the local improvement district. The final phase of this project will include associated well decommissioning to protect the aquifer.

Funding for this local improvement plan will be partially met through the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Program for just over $1.7 million. The balance of funding will be achieved through the application of reserve funds and through borrowed monies.

The project also includes extension of water lines to un-serviced streets and adds service connections to approximately 287 properties.

This upgrade will include the establishment of water mains along previously un-serviced streets, the appropriate service line tie-ins at both water mains and disconnection of indoor plumbing systems from the wells and connection to the municipal system.

Funding in the amount of $672,000 for this local improvement plan has already been promised to the municipality through the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Program.

The community of Lorette has asked for a new water system for a couple of years. The town remains under “a boil water” order that affects all residents in the community and nearly 1,000 students that attend schools in the community.

The new Lorette Water Supply Project will provide access to clean water for communities in these areas. The project includes building a new water supply well, a 1 million litre reservoir with water mains and service lines that will provide water for an estimated 950 residents.

Approximately 1,000 students in four different schools were the most affected by the “boil water” order. Water is supplied at the cost of two school divisions.