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For Release
August 18, 2005

Another 59 Green Infrastructure Projects and $14.6 Million Invested in Alberta Communities

Edmonton, Alberta – Albertans will see $14.6 million invested in 59 new community infrastructure projects through the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP). These projects will benefit 51 communities across central and northern Alberta by modernizing water and wastewater systems and cutting energy consumption through energy efficiency upgrades.

The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) made the announcement with the Honourable Dr. Lyle Oberg, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.

"The projects announced today are strong examples of ICAP's focus on improving community infrastructure," said Minister McLellan. "Meeting provincial and municipal priorities such as modernizing water systems and improving energy efficiency is integral to enhancing community infrastructure and protecting our environment."

"These projects will improve the quality of life for residents and represent what's important to individual Alberta communities," said Minister Oberg. "We will continue to work with municipal and federal governments to respond to the needs of Alberta communities."

Project highlights include the construction of a water distribution system and wastewater collection system in Sturgeon County and the installation of a water reservoir in the Town of St. Paul.

Under ICAP, the federal and provincial governments provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible project costs. Partnering communities or private partners provide the remaining one-third of project funding. In Alberta, ICAP is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat. The federal and provincial governments together will invest $7.99 million towards the $14.6 million announced today. The proponents will invest the remaining $6.65 million.

To date, 790 projects have been announced in Alberta under this partnership program. With these projects, ICAP has exceeded its target of investing at least $508 million in federal, provincial and municipal funding toward municipal infrastructure in urban and rural communities across the province.

The ICAP Management Committee approves the projects and is composed of representatives from the governments of Canada and Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C).

"The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program is a good example of a working partnership between all three levels of government," said Dorothy Moore on behalf of the AUMA. "The infrastructure needs of municipalities have never been greater. ICAP's versatile three-way partnership addresses infrastructure needs in all sizes of municipalities."

"The funding support offered by ICAP allows our member municipalities to take on needed infrastructure improvements," said Eugene Wauters on behalf of the AAMD&C. "Infrastructure is a high priority for municipal districts and counties."

The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program agreement was signed October 10, 2000. Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in Budget 2005.

For additional information, contact:

Factsheet

Partnership Program

• The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP) is a partnership involving federal, provincial and municipal governments that also allows for private-sector participation. All three levels of government played an important part in the design of this program.

• Under ICAP, the federal and provincial governments can provide up to two-thirds of the funding for eligible costs. Partnering communities or private partners in the program provide the remaining project funding. For the 790 projects and $591 million approved to-date since June 8, 2001, federal and provincial contributions total approximately $331.14 million.
• In Alberta, the program is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat.

Grassroots Driven

• ICAP is designed with a bottom-up approach. Accordingly, municipalities play an important role in the program. The majority of projects will address local infrastructure needs identified by the municipalities.
• The federal and provincial governments may also propose projects to ensure that regional projects involving more than one municipality are not overlooked.

Program Priorities

• ICAP's first priority is "green" municipal infrastructure. Green infrastructure includes projects related to water and wastewater systems, water management, solid waste management and recycling, and capital expenditures to retrofit or improve the energy efficiency of buildings and facilities owned by local municipalities.
• The ICAP agreement specifies that a minimum 40 per cent of the total value of all approved projects must be invested in green municipal infrastructure.
• Secondary priorities include local transportation, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.
  
  To ensure the infrastructure needs of rural communities are considered, a minimum 26 per cent of total approved costs for all projects in Alberta must be invested in projects proposed by rural municipalities.

Backgrounder

Project List Summary with Total Project Costs

Village of Alix
Sanitary Sewer Replacement $235,775

Replacing the sanitary sewer line located under 49 th Street will decrease flood risk to residents. This project also includes repair of the roadway.
Contact Person : Karen Mack, Tel. (403) 747-2495

Village of Amisk
Village Buildings Energy Efficiency Upgrades $38,873

This project will increase energy efficiency of the community's main municipal structure that houses the government offices, fire hall and library. In addition to installing a better quality furnace, the Village plans to upgrade the insulation and the siding of the buildings.
Contact Person : Joyce DeBord, Tel. (780) 856-3980

Village of Andrew
Municipal Buildings Furnace Replacements $21,801

This project will reduce energy consumption by installing high efficiency furnaces in the public works shop, fire hall, sewage lift station, water treatment plant and museum.
Contact Person : Pat Skoreyko, Tel. (780) 365-3687

Village of Andrew
Public Works and Fire Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $11,759

To make the fire hall more energy efficient and environmentally responsible, the Village will install three new insulated steel doors and put fiberglass insulation in the ceiling. These upgrades will also ensure the building meets building code and safety standards.
Contact Person : Pat Skoreyko, Tel. (780) 365-3687

Village of Andrew
Water Treatment Plant Energy Efficiency Upgrades $19,377

This project features several improvements that will enhance energy efficiency at the local water treatment plant. Planned upgrades include the installation of new weatherstripping, insulation, cladding and lining. New insulated metal doors will help control heat loss through points of entry. Contact Person: Pat Skoreyko, Tel. (780) 365-3687

County of Athabasca No. 12
Hamlet of Colinton Fire Hall Replacement $171,200

Building a new fire hall in Colinton will help reduce emergency vehicle response times. The facility will feature wood frame construction, a cement pad and maintenance-free exterior cladding.

Contact Person: Jim Woodward, Tel. (780) 675-2273

Town of Beaverlodge
Raw Water Reservoir Modifications $150,121

The Town will install a second high-density polyethylene water main from the river to the raw water reservoir, ensuring the availability of quality drinking water for residents.
Contact Person : Ivan Hegland, Tel. (780) 354-2201

Town of Bentley
Main Street Upgrades $112,350

This project, a key component of the Town's storm water management plan, will include the construction of curbs and gutters on streets in Bentley. Residents will have increased protection against storm flooding.
Contact Person : Elizabeth Smart, Tel. (403) 748-4044

Town of Bon Accord
Water Distribution Pumping Upgrades $588,500

The Town will install four new pumps by expanding a small building located within the distribution facility. This is expected to increase the supply of drinking water for residents. This project also includes installing a new diesel generator to provide improved emergency pumping capacity to increase firefighting protection services.
Contact Person : Linda Zacharias, Tel. (780) 921-3550

Village of Boyle
Recreational Vehicle Dump Station Water Service $55,686

Providing water service from the Village to the recreational vehicle park will improve residential and tourist traffic.
Contact Person : Barbara Kowalchuk, Tel. (780) 689-3643

Village of Breton
Water and Sewer System Upgrades $182,842

Expanding the municipal water and sewer system will ensure that wastewater is treated to a higher standard and will provide sewer service to more residences.
Contact Person : Eileen Simmers, Tel. (780) 696-3636

City of Cold Lake
Drainage Improvements $14,646

The City will rebuild and pave the lane to improve the grade so that during heavy storms, surging water drains away from affected homes, reducing the risk of flooding to residents.
Contact Person : John Collier, Tel. (780) 594-4494

Town of Devon
Administration Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades $28,329

Installing better quality windows and an insulated rear steel door in the building will improve energy efficiency.

Contact Person : Dianna Doyle, Tel. (780) 987-8303

Village of Dewberry
Sports Grounds Enhancement Project $29,800

To improve the fairgrounds in Dewberry, the Village plans to build a permanent building to provide onsite washroom facilities. The building will consist of a wooden structure with metal roofing and siding and concrete floors and tanks. This project will ensure the enhancements meet building code and safety standards.
Contact Person : Anne Elliott, Tel. (780) 847-3053

Town of Eckville
Storm Water Management $160,500

The Town plans to upgrade the storm drainage system along 50 th Avenue, increasing culvert and catch basin capacity. This project will reduce flood risk for families living in Eckville.
Contact Person : Therese Kleeberger, Tel. (403) 746-2171

Town of Edson
Water Supply Main Replacement – Phase 2 $481,500

The Town will replace the deteriorating cement water main with a modern PVC line. This project will provide families with a higher quality of drinking water and improve firefighting capacity.
Contact Person : Ajit Masand, Tel. (780) 723-4401

Municipal District of Fairview No. 136
Bluesky Water Treatment Plant Energy Efficiency Upgrade $75,221

Improvements to the water treatment plant building include replacing the roof, siding/flashing, doors, entrance pad and hot water tank. The Municipal District will also install new emergency lighting and improve insulation throughout the facility to improve energy efficiency.
Contact Person : Robert Jorgensen, Tel. (780) 835-4903

Municipal District of Fairview No. 136
Municipal Office Energy Efficiency Upgrade $150,315

The Municipal District will seal and insulate the exterior façade as well as the air ducts. The addition of an energy-efficient heater will improve the energy efficiency of the building. Other aspects of the project include replacing the existing ceiling tiles and flooring, reconstructing the front entrance and renovating the back entrance and stairwell.
Contact Person : Robert Jorgensen, Tel. (780) 835-4903

Town of Fox Creek
Lift Station #1 Upgrade $107,048

A series of upgrades planned for the lift station will increase operational efficiency. Measures include the addition of two new energy efficient pumps, hourly flow metering and automated control systems with alarm capability. This project also includes the installation of new valves to ensure environmentally safe pump change outs.
Contact Person : Larry Baran, Tel. (780) 622-3896

Town of Fox Creek
Construct New Subdivision $250,674

The Town will build roadways and install key infrastructure services on the subdivision site, including water, sewer and power lines. This project ensures that future residents near Kaybob Drive will have access to the municipal water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Plans also include looping of the water line to eliminate the need to flush the system.
Contact Person : Larry Baran, Tel. (780) 622-3896

Town of Gibbons
Distribution Pumping System Upgrades $185,110

The Town plans to install a new pump, speed drive, flow meter, control system and residual chlorine analyzer to increase water capacity and to ensure drinking water is treated to a higher quality standard for residents.
Contact Person : Maisie Metrunec, Tel. (780) 923-3331

Gift Lake Metis Settlement
Water and Wastewater System Upgrades $58,850

This project features a number of improvements to the lift station, including the installation of new pipes and electronics and the refurbishment of the pump. Residents will have access to higher quality drinking water.
Contact Person : Ken Shaw, Tel. (780) 767-3794

Municipal District of Greenview No. 16
Valleyview Rural Water Co-operative $1,241,401

The Town of Valleyview will extend its rural water line from the existing potable water system to provide treated drinking water to residential lots, RV lots and industries. The project will be serviced by the Valleyview Rural Water Co-Op.
Contact Person : Gordon Frank , Tel. (780) 524-7600

Town of Grimshaw
2004 Waterline Upgrade $75,316

The Town will remove outdated cast iron pipes and replace them with modern lines that are sized to meet current distribution and fire flow requirements. This project will provide residents with better quality drinking water.
Contact Person : Cathie Bailey, Tel. (780) 332-4626

Village of Heisler
New Subdivision Utilities $29,317

The Village plans to expand the municipal water, sewer and power services to a new subdivision. These residents will have access to higher quality drinking water and the municipal wastewater collection system.
Contact Person : Sheldon Steil, Tel. (780) 889-3981

Town of High Level
Lot Servicing and Local Improvements $331,700

The Town will realign Lagoon Road and install water and sewer services to new industrial lots to allow increased economic activity in the area.
Contact Person : Diane Hunter, Tel. (780) 926-2201

Village of Kitscoty
Water Meter Project $111,441

To encourage sustainable water supply management, the Village plans to install water meters at approximately 252 residences in Kitscoty.
Contact Person : Sharon Williams, Tel. (780) 846-2221

Town of Lacombe
North West Water Trunk Main $623,374

The Town will install a foot-wide water main and fire hydrants connecting College Heights to Fairway Heights and Willow Ridge, improving the quality of drinking water for families living in these areas. The Town's firefighting ability will be increased as well.
Contact Person : Ken Kendall, Tel. (403) 782-6666

Lac Ste. Anne County
County Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade $48,471

Upgrades involve replacing seven existing natural gas furnaces with one new energy efficient natural gas furnace. The air conditioning units will also be replaced with energy efficient alternatives, leading to improved energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable practices.
Contact Person : Len Szybunka, Tel. (780) 785-3411

Summer Village of Ma-Me-O Beach
Towne Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrade $53,500

The Towne Hall will receive new doors, windows and an upgraded heating system to create a more energy efficient building.
Contact Person : Peter Irwin, Tel. (780) 586-2251

Town of Manning
Watermain Replacement $65,431

The Town will replace the outdated cast iron watermain where Main Street crosses the Notikewin River. The new polyethylene line will improve the quality of the drinking water for residents.
Contact Person : Cathy Hawryluk, Tel. (780) 836-3606

Town of Manning
Civic Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades $7,564

Replacing four furnaces in the town building with new energy efficient models will improve energy efficiency.
Contact Person : Cathy Hawryluk, Tel. (780) 836-3606

Town of Manning
Sewer System Improvement $35,845

The Town plans to upgrade the sewage lift station to ensure that residents receive improved reliability of water and wastewater collection service. Components of this project feature the installation of pump guide rails and a platform in the wet well.
Contact Person : Cathy Hawryluk, Tel. (780) 836-3606

Village of Mannville
Municipal Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades $28,721

Retrofitting the municipal administration building with energy efficient windows, doors and furnaces will reduce energy consumption and improve air quality. This project also includes the installation of a new energy efficient hot water boiler and tank at the recreation centre.
Contact Person : Kent Staden, Tel. (780) 763-3500

Town of Mayerthorpe
Water Main Replacement - 2004 $171,874

This project involves the replacement of outdated cast iron water mains along Main Street and 48 th Street. This upgrade will provide area residents with access to higher quality drinking water.
Contact Person : Greg Gayton, Tel. (780) 786-2416

Town of Millet
Sanitary Sewer Lagoon Upgrade $70,620

The Town plans to replace the current lagoon liner with superior technology and reconstruct the earthen barrier. These measures will benefit residents by facilitating improved treatment of wastewater and improving environmental sustainability by reducing the potential for leakage from the storage cell.
Contact Person : E. Michael Storey, Tel. (780) 387-4554

Village of Minburn
Community Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $55,542

This project includes several upgrades designed to increase energy efficiency and usability of the facility for residents. The Village will install new insulation, cladding and exterior doors, ensuring the community hall meets building codes and safety regulations.
Contact Person : Nicolette Elgie, Tel. (780) 593-3939

Town of Mundare
Water Infrastructure Renewal $74,900

This project involves upgrading the town's fire hydrants, refurbishing the emergency water pump and replacing the water supply valve at the water reservoir.
Contact Person : Colin Zyla, Tel. (780) 764-3929

Northern Sunrise County
Drainage Ditch Upgrades $436,000

Several improvements will stabilize local transportation corridors and help protect families in the neighbourhood from the risk of flood. Measures include the installation of new culverts, the removal of silt and brush from drainage ditches, restoration of road surfaces to the proper slope and reseeding the grassy areas.
Contact Person : Darryl Shudra, Tel. (780) 624-0013

Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17
Mistassiniy Road Sanitary Sewer Upgrade $127,330

The Municipal District will construct a new sewer lift station to provide residents of Wabasca with higher quality wastewater treatment service.
Contact Person : Dwayne Calliou, Tel. (780) 891-3778

Summer Village of Parkland Beach
Emergency Water Fill Facility $54,280

A new water fill facility in Parkland Beach will provide resources for fighting fires in the Summer Village and Ponoka County. This project will decrease response times for emergency vehicles.
Contact Person : Gwen Boyce, Tel. (403) 843-2055

Summer Village of Pelican Narrows
Community Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades $55,148

Improvements to the exterior of the community hall include installing shingles, siding, windows, doors, and correcting the drainage. These upgrades will help ensure efficient operations and increase resident usage of the facility.
Contact Person : Padey Lapointe, Tel. (780) 826-5907

Town of Redwater
Storm Sewer Drainage $518,950

A new storm water system in the centre of the Town will be constructed to reduce the potential risk of flooding.
Contact Person : Earla Wagar, Tel. (780) 942-3519

Town of St. Paul
Treated Water Reservoir $1,530,100

The Town will install a new reservoir, providing families in St. Paul and the surrounding area with access to better quality drinking water and fire protection services.
Contact Person : Wayne Horner, Tel. (780) 645-4481

Village of Sangudo
Water and Wastewater Upgrade $53,270

Several improvements to the water and wastewater distribution systems will provide residents with access to higher quality drinking water. This project includes upgrades to the treatment plant, lift station and distribution lines. The Village will also replace worn out pumps and valves and install chlorine water testing equipment.
Contact Person : Pamela Nelson, Tel. (780) 785-2258

Town of Spirit River
Water and Wastewater System Upgrades $361,660

The Town will replace water and sanitary sewer lines at 47 th Avenue and 51 st Street, ensuring residents in the area have access to higher quality drinking water.
Contact Person : Linda Wennerstrom, Tel. (780) 864-3433

Strathcona County
Ardrossan Water/Wastewater Systems Upgrading $1,132,060

The County will replace the service pump and add a new fire pump to provide adequate flows and fire protection to Ardrossan residents. Raising the elevation of the lagoon berm will expand capacity.
Contact Person : Bob Horton, Tel. (780) 464-8175

Sturgeon County
Sturgeon Valley Vista Water Distribution System and Reservoir Expansion $1,389,294

The County will expand trunk delivery lines and service connections and extend a reservoir storage facility to a nearby rural community. Residents will be connected to Edmonton's municipal water and wastewater treatment services, thus improving access to better quality drinking water and protection against fire.
Contact Person : Regan Lefebvre, Tel. (780) 939-4321

Sturgeon County
Summberbrook/Upper Manor Wastewater Collection System $1,261,287

The County plans to build a municipal wastewater collection system, using service connections with automated shut-off valves to residences in Summerbrook and Upper Manor, east of St. Albert. Area residents currently rely on private sewage disposal systems.
Contact Person : Regan Lefebvre, Tel. (780) 939-4321

County of Thorhild No. 7
Hamlet of Newbrook Water and Wastewater System Upgrades $325,000

The Hamlet will re-line and/or replace sewage collection piping, install water meters on residential and commercial properties, replace water mains, and loop hamlet water distribution system. These upgrades will improve the quality of drinking water and encourage sustainable water usage.
Contact Person : Dan Small, Tel. (780) 398-2800

County of Thorhild No. 7
Hamlet of Radway Water System Upgrades $255,000

To ensure that families in Radway have access to higher quality drinking water, the County will replace and/or re-line damaged pipelines. This project also involves the installation of meters on residential and commercial properties to encourage sustainable water usage among residents and businesses.
Contact Person : Dan Small, Tel. (780) 398-2800

Village of Thorsby
Water Treatment Plant Upgrades $9,252

The Village will modify the programming of the pumps at the water treatment plant to better monitor water quality and ensure residential access to high quality drinking water.
Contact Person : Jim Squire, Tel. (780) 789-3935

Town of Tofield
Water Storage Pump Upgrades $214,000

The Town plans to replace the existing lag duty pump and fire pump with newer automated models, providing Tofield residents with improved quality drinking water and firefighting services.
Contact Person : Cindy Neueld, Tel. (780) 662-3269

Town of Two Hills
Water System Upgrades $69,357

Replacing deteriorating valves and hydrants will improve the quality of drinking water for families in Two Hills and increase firefighting capabilities. The Town will also install meters on residential and commercial properties to compile data on consumption patterns and encourage sustainable water usage.
Contact Person : Marcia Twerdochlib, Tel. (780) 657-3395

County of Two Hills No. 21
County Building Upgrades $219,885

This project involves replacing valves and hydrants in the water supply system, and installing meters in residential and commercial properties.
Contact Person : Marcia Twerdochlib, Tel. (780) 657-3358

Town of Viking
Public Works Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade $43,552

The Town will retrofit the existing water treatment plant to make it a large storage shed for public works equipment. This project features the installation of a concrete floor, new doors and improved insulation, which will increase energy efficiency.
Contact Person : Rod Kips, Tel. (780) 336-3466

Westlock County
Dapp Water and Sewer Distribution Lines $228,200

The County will extend the municipal water and wastewater services to additional residents, ensuring access to better quality drinking water and sewage disposal services that meet sound environmental sustainability practices.
Contact Person : Martin Kirschner, Tel. (780) 349-8772

City of Wetaskiwin
Manhole Rehabilitation - 2004 $130,820

Upgrades include rehabilitation of the benches, channels and ladders, and mending of cracked barrels and cones. These upgrades will sustain the local environment by reducing infiltration in the wastewater collection system.
Contact Person : Peter Pullishy, Tel. (780) 361-4453

Yellowhead County
Hamlet of Evansburg Fire Pump Replacement $70,620

The County will replace the existing fire pump with a modern model. The new pump will also serve as a backup power supply for the hamlet's water distribution system and improve fire protection services for the community.
Contact Person : Tony Lew, Tel. (780) 723-4800

TOTAL PROJECTS 59
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $14,640,359