Celebrating Much Needed Upgrades for Watson Lake Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

WATSON LAKE, YUKON--(Marketwired - May 30, 2015) - Representatives from all levels of government gathered in Watson Lake today to celebrate the completion of several water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades and to mark the beginning of construction of a new water treatment plant.

Phases 1 through 3 of a multi-phase, multi-year $7.5 million project provided the town with a new backup water supply well, 800 metres of new water mains, 50 new sewer manholes, seven new fire hydrants and 3000 metres of new sewer lines to replace infrastructure that predated 1980.

Once complete, the new $5.75 million water treatment facility (Phase 4) will provide reliable, potable water to meet the community's current and future needs. Drawing from a new well, the plant will treat water to meet Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines, including removal of manganese and iron. It will be equipped to operate with backup power in the event of an electricity disruption. As well, it will provide a truck fill for residents who wish to haul their own water.

Quick Facts

• The governments of Canada and Yukon are making a joint contribution of $13.25 million for all four Phases under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.
• The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund is part of the 2007 Building Canada Plan and is designed to address core infrastructure priorities in each jurisdiction.

Quotes

"Our Government understands the positive impact that quality infrastructure has on economic growth, job creation and long term prosperity. We are pleased to invest in this major initiative in Watson Lake because it provides modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure - a key component of strong, healthy, prosperous communities."

"Providing Yukoners with reliable access to clean drinking water and modern wastewater systems is a priority of the Yukon government. Modernizing Watson Lake's water and sewer system has been a long-term project, and through our partnership with Canada and the Town of Watson Lake, we continue to work to provide the community with infrastructure that will help it meet its future needs."

"The Town of Watson Lake is pleased with news that the treatment plant construction has started. We can say that this project, once completed, will provide Watson Lakers and residents in the surrounding area with the quality drinking water they deserve. It will deal with issues that have plagued us in the past. Clean drinking water is a number one priority for all communities. The Town of Watson Lake thanks the Government of Yukon
(Community Services), the Building Canada Plan and Town Administration for all their due diligence in ensuring that this project becomes a success."

Associated Links

To learn more about the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/ptbase-finbasept-eng.html

For more information about Building Canada - Building Yukon, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gov.yk.ca/buildingcanada.html

For more information on the Town of Watson Lake, visit: http://www.watsonlake.ca

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

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