Wembley residents should see Aquatera water running through their taps by mid-June. While construction on the Water to Wembley line first started in 2018, Mayor Chris Turnmire says the plan has been in the works for about a decade. He’s thankful people stuck with them this long.
“I thank them for their patience over the last 10 years of bearing with us when we’ve had water restrictions and some shortages but that’s all behind us now…. Having regional water means economic opportunities for the whole community.”
The $22 million water line, largely paid for through federal and provincial grants, will run from the Aquatera treatment plant in Grande Prairie and west through Dimsdale, finally connecting to the town’s existing reservoir.
In the summer of 2018, Wembley was under a level three water restriction meaning all outdoor water use wasn’t allowed. Turnmire says switching to Aquatera water should mean that doesn’t happen this year.
“People will be able to water their lawns when they wish to, they’ll be able to wash their vehicles in their driveways, they’ll be able to wash their driveways down, they’ll be able to look after their flower beds and water their trees and won’t have to worry about a restriction.”
Turnmire says construction on the water line is complete and it is currently being tested. Once this project is complete, Aquatera plans to extend the line to Beaverlodge, Hythe, and Horse Lake First Nation.
