Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility

operational

Opportunity Originally built in the early 1980s, the Evan-Thomas Water Treatment plant was outdated and no longer meet demand for potable water. The province decided to use a P3 to build a new water and wastewater treatment facility and operate and maintain it for ten years after construction was completed. In September 2011 the Government of Canada announced its support for the project through a contribution of $9.95 million from the P3 Canada Fund. Innovations Cost savings were achieved due to life-cycle optimization, construction efficiencies and building innovations, factors which would not have been a priority using traditional procurement. The project ensured short-term cost certainty during construction and longer-term cost certainty for operations, shifting substantial risk to the contractor. Results The upgrades addressed the treatment plant’s capacity constraints, replaced aging infrastructure and delivered public health benefits. Upgrades include construction of a new clear well and potable water reservoirs and a new treatment building. The new facility uses Ultraviolet disinfection acting as a barrier and providing additional disinfection, thereby enhancing water safety. The facility remains publicly owned at all times. The new wastewater treatment system implements the strictest approval requirements in the Province and as a result will reduce nutrients going into the river that can damage the environment, thereby improving aquatic life in both the Kananaskis and Bow Rivers. “Public-private partnerships are increasingly becoming an innovative solution to delivering the public infrastructure Canadians need in a way that represents the best value for taxpayers. This partnership will deliver a long-term, sustainable approach to water and wastewater management in the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area that is environmentally sustainable and safe to all surrounding communities.” - Ted Menzies, former Minister of State (Finance)

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