Council’s considering a plan that would put water and sewer systems in the rural communities of Conklin, Anzac, Gregoire Lake, Janvier, Draper, and Saprae Creek.
Deputy Mayor and Ward 3 councillor Allan Vinni says he’s happy with residents feedback.
“I got some incredibly articulate analysis of the situation, where the people were saying, ‘this is why I want sewers,’ ‘this is why I don’t want sewers, but I understand why other people do, and don’t, and what can we do do accommodate everybody?,'” said Vinni
Rural residents had originally been promised water and sewer systems back when they amalgamated with the city of Fort McMurray in 1995.
Vinni says the process is far from over, but it’s a much needed start.
“We’re not hooking people up tomorrow or next year, it could be a five, 10 year plan and that’s fine,” he adds, “it’s not ‘we’ll get it done tomorrow’ it’s just about having a plan that’s in process that’s funded.
The proposal would see the city put up 65% of the funding, or about $111-million.
Residents would pay 10%, while federal grant money would cover the remaining 25%.
The plan would see Anzac, Conklin, and Gregoire Lake Estates get full pressure water and gravity sewer systems, while Janvier and Draper would get a trickle fill water and low pressure sewer systems.
Vinni says he thinks it’s an issue not many people are aware of.
“Honestly, I’m not sure that a lot of the resident of Fort McMurray understand,” he explains, “just drive out past Waterways and your in Draper Road, and they have no sewer and water and they’re paying a fortune.”
