Actions Underway and Next Steps

The City is taking immediate steps to improve monitoring of I&I in our system with the installation of new equipment to validate our data and identify areas for improvement.

Staff have submitted an application for funding from the Strategic Priorities Fund to support a nearly $6million Coordinated Capital Infrastructure Renewal project that includes works to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) to assist in reducing the flow volume being processed in the City’s Wastewater Treatment system.

Visit the City of Fernie Document Library to read the report seeking authorization for this funding application.

In the 2021 and 2022 budget cycles we budgeted for, and continue to implement, crucial immediate measures to upgrade existing infrastructure and extend the life of our current system. These are short-term solutions to allow us time to plan for and execute an overhaul of the wastewater system.

In April 2022, Council approved an emergency increase in sewer utility fees to fund two additional operators to improve our capacity for maintenance, to slow infrastructure failure, and to address issues as they arise.

Next Steps:

• Staff and council will be advocating with the province for funding approval for the $6million Coordinated Capital Infrastructure Renewal project that includes works to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) to assist in reducing the flow volume being processed in the City’s Wastewater Treatment system.
• We anticipate being able to provide an update at a July 18 Council meeting with next steps on the LWMP and recommendations from our consultants regarding improving interim capacity through I&I reductions.