As the regional waterline project in the Lakeland continues to be worked out, the Mayor of Cold Lake is happy with the planning he’s seen so far. Craig Copeland says participation between communities has been key for the project.
“We’re working together and it’s moving along really good. We’re talking about a project that could be worth $100 million being spent in the local area, and that’s important, but also to have clean, safe drinking water to Cold Lake First Nations.”
The project, which will see water from Cold Lake pumped down a pipeline with various stops in communities on Highway 28 including the Cold Lake First Nations and Bonnyville, is hoping to get underway by April of 2020 due to a deadline imposed for federal funding.
Copeland says a little bit of the confusion between communities had to do with where the line would sit.
“There was a bit of an issue on the placement of the pipe. I think that’s all gonna be finalized now. I think we’ll come to an agreement.”
Mayor Copeland says the route is pretty much set, with most of the line running down the Iron Horse Trail. He says affected landowners have been included in the planning process. Copeland believes the tenders for work on the line are expected to go out to contractors soon.