The new Joussard Water Treatment Plant, which will supply the Hamlet of Joussard and the surrounding rural residents with a more reliable and sustainable water supply, is now fully operational. The County was able to complete this project with the help of two grants: the Government of Canada’s Clean Water Wastewater Fund, which contributed $1.2 million, and the provincial government’s Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant, which contributed $3.6 million to the development of the new site.
“Receiving support from the federal and provincial government to improve core infrastructure, like the water treatment plant, is greatly appreciated and is key to long-term growth and sustainability of our communities,” said Big Lakes County Reeve Richard Simard. “This new plant will help to ensure residents and businesses continue to receive clean and safe water for years to come.”
Construction of the new water treatment plant began in July 2018. M2 Engineering designed the facility, and Chandos Construction was the General Contractor for the project. Completion is expected by March 2020. On February 21, 2020, the Joussard Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir Expansion Project received an Award of Excellence at the Consulting Engineers of Alberta Showcase Awards for M2 Engineering’s innovative leadership in the design of the facility.
“Our government is pleased to support critical infrastructure projects that drive growth and sustainability in rural communities,” said Ric McIver, Alberta Minister of Transportation. “Safe, clean and reliable water sources like the new plant in Joussard are vital to the well-being and prosperity of the community, and I’m happy to see this new water treatment plant and reservoir is ready to bring water security and economic benefits to Joussard for generations to come.”
The project involved building a larger reservoir to meet the immediate needs of residents and allow for future growth. This was a huge priority as the old plant had a difficult time keeping up to the water demands when the population of Joussard increased in the summer. The new water treatment plant process is also better equipped to handle the seasonal fluctuation in water quality and will provide better removal of organics, meeting the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines more effectively. Lastly, residents will not only have better access to the truck fill station, but the new location is also equipped with a septage receiving station for RV’s to empty their septic system. This will be beneficial to the large number of campers who visit the community each year.
The grand opening of the Joussard Water Treatment Plant located at 7 1st Avenue SW, will take place on April 17, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more details, please contact Ian Willier, Utilities Manager at 780-523-5955.
Contact: Victoria Zahacy, Communications Coordinator, [email protected] or (780) 523 5955.